There are many ways to gain hands on learning experiences for your son or daughter. Below are a just a few ways to provide real work experience.
Learn how your child can gain work experience while still in school:
Job Shadow
Job shadowing allows students to explore a specific career by following an employee while they perform their typical work duties in a real-world work environment. Job shadowing is a temporary and unpaid experience that provides valuable career information to participants. Find local job shadowing opportunities here.
Age limit: Students of any age can participate in a job shadow experience.
Internship
Internships are great for students who want to work in an organization, sometimes without pay, in order to gain work experience, satisfy requirements for a credential or gain course credit while still in high school.
Age limit: Internships are typically for students in their junior or senior year.
For details about how an internship can positively impact your child, listen to stories from students at Hilldale High School: https://youtu.be/SGnCRIxRe3Y
Pre-Apprenticeship
Pre-apprenticeship programs help students master essential basic skills before enrolling in a registered apprenticeship program. After being accepted into an apprenticeship, students will often receive credit for prior experience. Learn more about available opportunities here.
Age limit: Students will need to consult with their local school counselor as age limits will vary.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are highly formal job training experiences that involve studying with an experienced mentor on the job. Student apprentices can “earn while they learn,” since apprenticeships are full-time, paid positions that provide specialized training in specific industries. Learn more about apprenticeships here.
Age limit: Apprentices must be high school graduates since apprenticeships are full-time job commitments.
To learn more about ways to provide your child with meaningful work environment experiences connect with their school ICAP leader or view this helpful guide Service Learning and/or Work Environment (Work-Based Learning) Activities