Oct 13, 2024  
2015-2016 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Work-Based Learning


Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an academic program that integrates classroom study with practical work experience in industry, business, and public agencies. The work experience constitutes a regular and essential element in the educational process by allowing students to apply their studies in a real work environment.

The WBL work experience is concurrent or alternates with academic studies. It is a paid or non-paid work experience and students receive academic credit toward degree, diploma, or certificate requirements. Students work either part-time or full-time jobs with employers selected and/or approved by the college. Students are contacted and evaluated periodically by a faculty coordinator and receive on-the-job supervision by the employers.

WBL Eligibility

Students must meet the following criteria to be accepted into the program:

  • Be enrolled in an approved WBL curriculum.
  • Have a minimum 2.00 GPA depending on program.
  • Be recommended by a faculty member.
  • Be approved by the Work-Based Learning office.

(Note: Enrollment in the WBL program does not guarantee placement for every student.)

Application Procedure

Interested students must complete a Work-Based Learning application, submit a copy of their college transcript, and speak with a member of the Work-Based Learning staff. Note: Work-Based Learning staff will advise students to determine the correct WBL course(s) based on program area and state requirements.

Presently Employed Students

Students may qualify to receive academic credit if they are already employed in an area directly related to their academic major. The following general criteria will be used to determine eligibility:

  1. The student must be acquiring new skills or knowledge related to their academic major
    AND/OR
  2. The student must be developing a recently learned skill or applying recently-learned knowledge related to their academic major
    AND/OR
  3. The student must be receiving increased levels of responsibility related to their academic major
    AND
  4. The employer agrees to assist with an evaluation of the student’s progress and to permit on-the-job visits by WBL staff member.

Student Employment Services

Student Employment Services assists students and graduates who are seeking employment by making them aware of the range of career opportunities available, helping them present themselves effectively as candidates, and aiding them in finding part-time, full-time, temporary, or summer employment.

Some of the specific services and activities offered are Career Day; employer campus visits; resume writing information/workshops; interview techniques information/workshops; and posting of part-time, full-time, and temporary job openings on the bulletin board outside the Myers Center Cafeteria and in the Student Employment Office.