Work-Based Learning: Where Employers Build Tomorrow's Talent

Employers in East Central Indiana often face challenges finding qualified candidates, competing for limited talent, and preparing for an aging workforce. RAZ-32 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways offer high-quality training to Randolph County high school students, equipping them for entry-level roles through work-based learning and apprenticeship partnerships with local and regional employers. This collaborative approach connects businesses with a skilled and ready future workforce.

Partnering with RAZ-32 helps Employers:

  • Create a talent pipeline of qualified potential employees
  • Derive value from student work at cost-effective rates
  • Lower future recruitment costs by building relationships with soon-to-graduate seniors
  • Increase your organization’s visibility in the community
  • Build positive relationships with local schools and the community

Common Questions

RAZ-32 students participating in work-based learning have undergone one year of technical, hands-on training in a particular career field. They are prepared for the workforce, bringing with them:

  • Entry-level technical and occupational expertise
  • Practical work experience through hands-on skill application
  • Proven work ethic and professionalism
  • Postsecondary college credits or industry certifications
  • Pre-screening by the CTE Pathway Instructor

Part 1 – Employer Commitment:

  • Job Tasks: Employers provide a job title and description or a listing of the duties/tasks the WBL student will be learning and performing at the work site.
  • Safety: Assure a safe and healthy working environment.
  • Applicant: Meet and/or interview the WBL student/applicant.
  • Supervision: Assign a workplace supervisor or mentor with the necessary subject matter expertise available to train, support, and supervise the WBL student and evaluate his or her progress throughout the WBL placement. Employer provides the supervisor’s name, job title, telephone number, and email.
  • Compensation: Employer provides an hourly rate that the student will be paid. Compensation increases the likelihood that the student/employee will be assigned meaningful and productive tasks.
  • Work Hours: In coordination with the CTE Instructor and student create a tentative work schedule that permits the WBL student to work 10 to 20 hours per week. The work schedule may be during or after the school day. It is understood that the work schedule may fluctuate each week.
  • Complete a Training Agreement: This is a document that outlines the entities/individuals involved in the partnership, student responsibilities, training company/employer responsibilities, school/CTE teacher responsibilities, parent/guardian responsibilities, and signatures of the parties involved. This process is led by the CTE instructor.
  • Participate in the development of a Training Plan: This is a written outline (template) of measurable learning objectives that the student will learn/practice at the worksite. It includes specific job-related technical tasks, professional behavior, and industry knowledge to be learned or practiced at the worksite. The CTE Instructor initiates the creation of the Training Plan and then the supervisor reviews, approves, and shares with the student. This document is used to evaluate the students’ performance at the worksite.

Part 2 – Employer Support During the WBL Experience:

  • Orientation: Provide the WBL student with an orientation to company policies, processes, regulations, and expectations during their first week on the job.
  • Communication: Communicate with the CTE Instructor regarding issues related to the student’s work performance, attendance, behavior, communication skills, or other areas where the CTE Instructor can provide training/support to the student during related-instructional sessions.
  • Visitation: Permit on-site visits by the CTE Instructor.
  • Student Progress Monitoring: Participate in the evaluation of the WBL student at the end of each 9-week period and assist with updating the Training Plan to advance the student’s learning and job responsibilities.
  • Employer Evaluation of WBL: Complete an evaluation of the work-based learning program at conclusion of the placement.


Let's Connect

Interested in hosting a work-based learning student from one of our RAZ-32 pathways?

Reach out to us to discuss the possibilities!