The State of South Carolina recognizes ten forms of Work-Based Learning. Primarily, Advantage Academy focuses on the experiences that qualify for Career Readiness.

Career Ready Work-Based Learning Possibilities
(Must meet state accountability requirements to be counted as Career Ready experiences.)

• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Co-ops

Other State-approved Work-Based Learning Experiences

• On-site Job Shadowing
• Virtual Job Shadowing
• Mentoring
• School-based Enterprise
• Service Learning
• Structured Field Study
• WBL Credit-based Course

Learn more in the SC Department of Education Work-Based Learning site.

*Internships: A progressive, school-coordinated experience that places students in real workplace environments so that they develop and practice career-related knowledge and skills needed for a specific level job. An internship provides hands-on experience in a particular industry or occupation related to a student’s career interests, abilities, and goals. A training agreement outlines the expectations and responsibilities of the high school and worksite including a specified number of hours in the training agreement. The high school Work-Based Learning intern works regularly during or after school in exchange for the worksite mentor’s time in teaching and demonstrating.

Prior to an internship, the student receives the established criteria and guidelines from the workplace supervisor. Throughout the internship, the supervisor evaluates the student and the school representative evaluates the student through on-site visits.

• Expected time of involvement:
  • Basic Internship (50 Hours) – After school hours or during the final CTE completer class time.
  • Credit Bearing Internship (120 Hours) – A WBL class with a specific state department provided course number is taken after successfully completing a CTE Program. (i.e. Welding) This experience will be graded and counts as an elective class. (This WBL experience is not offered by all CTE programs or business partners at this time.)

*Youth Apprenticeship: A structured program giving youth at least age 16 or older an opportunity to earn while they learn. This forward-focus program combines classroom instruction with one to two years of on-the-job training with an end result in a “certification of mastery of a specific technical skill.” A youth apprenticeship may matriculate to a registered apprenticeship after high school. High school completion is a requirement of the program.

• Expected time of involvement:
  • Youth Apprenticeship (1500+ hours) – This will only be offered to students after completing one of the previous WBL experiences. (This WBL experience is not offered by all CTE programs or business partners at this time.)

*Cooperative Education (Co-Op): A structured training program for high school level students requiring a written contract and training plan between the high school and sponsored worksite. The program coordinates secondary studies with a job role in a field related to the academic and/or technical education objectives. The written training and evaluation plans guide workplace activities in coordination with classroom instruction. The training agreement and evaluation plan should be kept on file for two years after the student graduates from high school. Students receive course credit for their Co-Op completion. Academic credit, compensation, and activities are district specific and may vary within the course of study. 

For the Student-Learner 

• The student is provided supervised training in the specific area that he or she has chosen as a career objective (applies only to career preparation WBL methods). 
• The student can learn useful employment skills under actual workplace conditions. 
• Interest in classroom work is stimulated by the application of academic and job-related learning to workplace situations. 
• The student develops understanding, appreciation, and respect for work and workers. 
• The experience of getting and holding a job helps the student to develop a mature and realistic concept of self and to make mature decisions. 
• Receiving compensation helps the student build self-esteem and contributes to his and her economic independence (applies only to career preparation WBL methods). 
• The student’s transition from school to work is made easier. 
• The ability of the student to develop a post-high school plan for employment and/or continuing education is enhanced.  The student can achieve the Career Ready Seal of Distinction if a career ready WBL placement is successfully completed, and all criteria is met.  

For the School 

• The school can extend educational opportunities beyond its own physical and financial resources. 
• Interaction with professionals outside the school environment is provided for school personnel in the training of young people. 
• Parental involvement increases as many become involved as worksite sponsors. 
• School personnel receive expanded opportunities to keep up-to-date with changing employment conditions and future workforce demands. 
• The concept that education is indeed a community-wide partnership is demonstrated. 

For the Worksite Sponsor 

• The sponsor receives assistance from a coordinator in analyzing jobs, developing training plans, and consulting on training needs. 
• The sponsor has an opportunity to influence school curricula to more closely provide for the employee qualifications needed. 
• The sponsor takes an active role in the education and career preparation of students in its local community. 
• The sponsor has an opportunity to develop future employees over an extended “trial” period without any obligation for long-term and/or full-time employment. 
• The sponsor receives a student-learner who already possesses some of the job-related knowledge and skills needed to be a productive worker. 

For the Community 

• The number of young people making a successful transition from school to work is increased, thereby adding to the number of workplace-ready individuals who become economically productive members of society. 
• A continuing partnership of school and community businesses and other organizations is developed. 
• The community’s work force and economic stability are improved by enhancing local students’ employability skill sets.

2024-2025 Work-Based Learning Application

Parent/Guardian Work-Based Learning Permission and Emergency Packet

Work-Based Learning Time Sheet

Student Evaluation of Worksite

Instructors may recommend a first-year student for an internship or co-op.  Teachers can also recommend a second-year student for an internship, which allows the student to take a credit bearing Work-Based Learning course as an elective.  The credit bearing Work-Based Learning course must also be aligned with a registered youth apprenticeship. 

Participating in Work-Based Learning experience is a privilege, not a right.  Administrators may revoke that privilege at any time. Administrators also reserve the right to waive requirements on a case-by-case basis.

In order to apply for any type of Work-Based Learning, a student must have:

• No more than 3 unexcused absences
• No more than 3 unexcused tardies
• No major discipline problems (i.e. ISS, OSS, or expulsion)
• At least an 80 average in his/her CTE course and passing grades in all high school classes
• OSHA -10 certification where applicable
• Teacher recommendation
• Parental permission
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation
• Working resume