Mr. Jess Truax
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Roanoke City Public Schools
[email protected]
540-853-6303
High-quality Work-Based Learning (WBL) is comprised of
school-coordinated workplace experiences that are related to students’
career goals and/or interests, are integrated with instruction, and are
performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations. WBL
experiences enable students to apply classroom instruction in a
real-world business or service-oriented work environment.
Virginia’s career and technical education (CTE) programs include the following components:
- Classroom instruction – the essential
component for students to master the academic and technical
competencies, attitudes, and work ethic necessary for career success and
lifelong learning
- Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs)
– organizations that provide experiences that reinforce and strengthen
classroom learning and prepare students for individual responsibility,
teamwork, and leadership in their chosen career pathways
- WBL experiences – opportunities for
students to apply and refine knowledge, attitudes, and skills through
professionally coordinated and supervised work experience directly
related to career goals
The WBL experience component builds on the benefits of
the other two components by assisting students with the transition from
the classroom to the workplace. Students’ knowledge,
skills, and attitudes are enhanced by participation in supervised,
authentic experiences. WBL experiences are valuable because they help
students develop careers beyond their secondary and post-secondary
education.
While most WBL experiences will be coordinated through your CTE / ROTEC class, it is possible to be a part of this program through other classes. Please reach out to me if you are interested in being a part of these WBL experiences.