Every year, hundreds of Colquitt County High School students earn high school credit for working in local businesses and industry as part of the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program. This program is for students who have chosen a pathway in the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program. They work with the WBL staff to identify an apprenticeship, internship, or paid employment that aligns with their career goals or provides them with experience that would be beneficial later in their careers.
During the 2023-2024 school year, the WBL programs saw significant increases in participation rates, hours worked, and earnings. Two hundred ninety-seven students enrolled in one or more blocks for work-based learning, a 31% increase over the previous year. These students collectively worked over 140,375 hours, a 121% increase. They earned an impressive $1,222,571, a 122% increase. Of the students participating in WBL programs, 73 were in unpaid internships, making the total earnings even more staggering for this group of high school students.
Work-based Learning Coordinator Misty Moon shared, “We are so proud of the students and their work ethic. We are also grateful to the business community for partnering with us to provide on-the-job training for so many students. The skills they are learning will stay with them as they enter the subsequent life phases. We are grateful that many businesses have stepped up to help us prepare the next generation of employees.”
The Colquitt County Board of Commissioners has a long-standing partnership with the WBL program. “The ongoing collaboration between the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners and the Work-Based Learning Division of Colquitt County High School has proven invaluable,” shared Melissa Lawson, County Clerk. “Students can take advantage of real-time workplace environments while gaining a better understanding of the day-to-day functions of county government. In addition to work experience, students also sharpen and hone their employability skills, thus preparing themselves for entry into the workforce. This is a partnership that the county intends to foster and maintain for years to come.”
Students interested in Work-Based Learning must complete an application with the high school, be approved, and be placed in a position. The WBL department can help students find an apprenticeship, internship, or a paid position. If your business is interested in partnering with the CCHS Work-Based Learning Program, please contact Misty Moon at misty.moon@colquitt.k12.ga.us or call 229-890-6141 ext 23182.