1. PURPOSE
1.1. Sevier School District implements Work Based Learning (WBL) programs to provide secondary students with real-world career experiences. These programs may include, but are not limited to, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and school-based enterprises, and are designed to connect classroom learning with practical workplace skills.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1. Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is a formal system of training supervised by high school personnel while the student is in high school. Apprenticeships involve two required components: on the job training and related classroom instruction. On the job training is given under the supervision of the employer whose role it is to provide structured formalized training as defined in a training plan. While, classroom instruction occurs at the high school, applied technology college, etc. Apprentices earn a wage while they learn a career. The apprenticeship must be registered with the Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Placement into an apprenticeship program is based on the student's College and Career Ready Plan (CCR).
2.2. Careful Supervision: Ensuring students receive proper workplace training and oversight.
2.3. Internship: Internships provide on the job training opportunities that are directly related to a career goal and course of study identified through the College and Career Ready Plan (CCR). Therefore, a student must have taken or currently be enrolled in a CTE class related to the internship opportunity. This Work Based Learning experience is designed to bridge the gap between school and work. Appropriate supervision by a school/district coordinator must be maintained.
2.4. Job Shadowing: An unpaid, brief observation where students follow employees to explore career options, typically aimed at middle and early high school students.
2.5. Paid Internship or Work Experience: A paid, supervised learning experience where the employer compensates the student.
2.6. School-Based Enterprise: A business operated by students under supervision, providing hands-on experience in producing goods or services.
2.7. Service-Based Learning: A community service combined with academic learning, often as part of a K-12 program.
2.8. College and Career Readiness (CCR): A strategy for guiding students’ academic and career planning, used to determine eligibility for work based learning.
2.9. Work Based Learning: Any learning that connects classroom education to real-world work experience.
2.10. Work Based Learning Committee: Consists of Work Based Learning Coordinator, CTE Director, and Secondary Curriculum Director, Student Services Director
2.11. Worksite: The physical or simulated location where work based learning takes place.
3. POLICY OVERVIEW
3.1. Sevier School District supports and administers various work based learning opportunities, including, but not limited to, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, school-based enterprises, and service-based learning. These opportunities are designed to enhance students' career readiness by offering real-world experiences in a variety of professional fields.
4. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
4.1. Students must meet the requirements outlined in their CCR to participate in Work Based Learning. This includes academic preparation and career interests aligned with program and students’ career goals, career pathway and CCR. Other criteria such as GPA, behavior standards, and grade level may also apply. Completer courses may have prerequisite classes.
4.2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Students participating in work-based learning may be required to have the following documents on file:
4.2.1. Student Application
4.2.2. Training Agreement & MOU - Memorandum of Understanding
4.2.3. Confidentiality Agreement
4.2.4. Media Release Agreement
4.2.5. LinkedIn Release Agreement
4.2.6. Ride Along Release Agreement
4.2.7. Skills Checklist
4.2.8. Student Time Cards
4.2.9. Student Training Log
4.2.10. Industry Partnership Agreement
4.2.11. Student Evaluation
4.2.12. Industry Partner Evaluation
4.3. HEALTH AND SAFETY
4.3.1. Students will receive safety training through coursework and employer orientation. All work based learning placements must comply with safety standards and federal child labor laws. Employers must provide a safe environment and supervision as outlined in the training agreement and this policy.
4.4. WORK SITE APPROVAL
4.4.1. Off-campus work sites must meet Sevier School District's approval procedures and comply with relevant state and federal regulations. Internship and apprenticeship placements must ensure that students are not used to replace regular employees and are given training that aligns with their academic learning.
4.5. TRANSPORTATION
4.5.1. Parents or guardians are responsible for transporting students to and from work sites. The district may provide transportation for career exploration trips but not for regular work based learning placements.
4.6. SUPERVISION AND TRAINING
4.6.1. Employers must provide careful supervision, relevant training, and ongoing evaluation of students. Education supervisors will regularly communicate with employers to monitor student progress.
5. EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1. Provide appropriate training and supervision, follow safety protocols, and maintain compliance with labor laws by implementing the following:
5.1.1. Provide a safe and supervised work environment that complies with federal and state child safety and labor laws.
5.1.2. Provide a safe, courteous, and welcoming professional environment free of harassment and discriminatory conduct that could result in a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive learning environment.
5.1.3. Ensure that no adult officer or employee of the partner is intentionally alone with a student for any significant amount of time during the student’s activities with the partner.
5.1.4. Ensure that hazardous tasks are performed only under direct supervision by a qualified mentor and after the completion of required training.
5.1.5. Deliver safety training, equipment, and instructions as needed.
5.1.6. Maintain records of all training provided to the student, using the provided Student Training Log template.
5.1.7. Business partner will not train or allow students to participate in any activity or use equipment deemed unsafe by the LEA (Local Education Agency). Any identified hazards or unsafe conditions during the safety inspection must be resolved before student involvement is permitted.
5.1.8. Participate in scheduled progress reviews with the school and/or work based learning committee.
6. SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1. Approve employers, ensure safety, and monitor student progress.
7. INSURANCE AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION
7.1. Work based learning students are considered to be a volunteer government employee of the LEA and does not distinguish between paid and unpaid work experiences, risk management and workers compensation insurance are the responsibility of the district
7.2. Parents are responsible for ensuring that students have health insurance
8. CREDIT AND GRADING
11th & 12th grade students may earn academic credit for work based learning experiences, provided they meet program requirements and demonstrate mastery of relevant skills. Internships and apprenticeships may be graded or evaluated on a letter grade basis. Number of credits will not exceed 2.0 credits. Any appeals or exceptions would need to be approved by the work based learning committee.
9. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents must approve their child’s participation in work based learning, help determine transportation methods, and ensure appropriate insurance coverage. Parents also play a role in the CCR process. Parents will comply with responsibilities outlined in the Training Agreement/MOU and other required documents.
10. INTERNSHIP ELIGIBILITY AND STANDARDS
10.1. To be eligible for internships, students must:
10.1.1. Maintain good attendance and academic standing.
10.1.2. Complete necessary forms and agreements.
10.1.3. Meet behavioral and academic standards set by the program.
10.1.4. Complete all requirements set forth by the USBE and LEA for credit for their WBL experience.
10.1.5. Comply with all responsibilities outlined in the Training Agreement/MOU and other required documents.
11. RISK MANAGEMENT AND LIABILITY
11.1. Each participating employer will sign an Industry Partnership Agreement and Training Agreement/MOU outlining safety protocols and compliance with applicable laws and best practices. Interns and apprentices are considered volunteer government workers for risk management and workers' compensation insurance purposes during internships and apprenticeships, with coverage provided by the district.
12. EMPLOYER RECOGNITION
12.1. Cooperating employers may be recognized by the district for their contributions to students’ career development through displays or publications.
13. By establishing clear guidelines for work-based learning, Sevier School District aims to foster career exploration and readiness in a safe, structured, and supportive environment, ensuring students are prepared for the workforce while continuing their education.
Sevier School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs. Please contact your school principal for further information.
Approved: 05/14/25