Work-Based Learning

WBL is a career exploration course designed for all juniors and seniors. WBL provides students with opportunities to research careers, enroll in a college, apply for financial aid and scholarships, improve his/her ACT score, complete job applications, create a resume, prepare for job interviews, complete an interest inventory, explore personal finance, investigate types of insurances, enhance his/her verbal and nonverbal communication skills, learn ways to improve his/her image and appearance, learn time management skills, learn conflict resolution skills, and explore the hazards of social media. Also, students who have completed a two-year Career Tech program may return to the Career Tech Center as a third-year student. In addition to learning the skills listed above, third-year students may return to the Career Tech program he/she completed in order to enhance his/her skills and knowledge in that area. Students may enroll in WBL as a semester class to receive 1 elective credit.

College and Career Readiness Credit

Students enrolled in this course during their 11th and 12th grade years can substitute one WBL credit for the College and Career Readiness (CCR) credit required for graduation.

Career and Technical Diploma Endorsement

Credit earned in this course satisfies the WBL requirement option for the Career and Technical Diploma endorsement.

Student Prereqricites

Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible for enrollment in the CTE Work-Based Learning: Credit-Bearing Course Guidelines:

·16 years of age or older

Student should meet the following suggested prerequisites:

·C or higher in English (the previous year)

·C or higher in math (last program taken or the teacher can specify the level of math instruction needed)

·WBL teacher approval and TABE reading score (eighth grade or higher)

or

·TABE reading score (eighth grade or higher)

·WBL teacher approval

or

·At least a Bronze designation on the WorkKeys Assessment

or

·WBL teacher approval

or

·CTE director and/or high school principal approval

Work-Based Learning
WBL Project
WBL

Work-Based Learning (WBL) students at Jones County Career and Technical Center recently took on a unique and career-focused challenge: designing an original bunny inspired by the iconic Cadbury Bunny brand. But this wasn’t just about bunnies—it was about creativity, career identity, and developing real-world skills.

The project was framed as a pretend assignment from Cadbury itself, challenging our Career Tech students to design a bunny that would represent the diverse programs offered at our center. Each student stepped into the role of a creative professional, crafting a bunny that reflected their specific career pathway. From welding gear to health science tools to culinary touches, each bunny told a story about the skills, tools, and talents involved in their field.

WBL Project
Project

Work-Based Learning (WBL) students at Jones County Career and Technical Center recently took on a unique and career-focused challenge: designing an original bunny inspired by the iconic Cadbury Bunny brand. But this wasn’t just about bunnies—it was about creativity, career identity, and developing real-world skills.

The project was framed as a pretend assignment from Cadbury itself, challenging our Career Tech students to design a bunny that would represent the diverse programs offered at our center. Each student stepped into the role of a creative professional, crafting a bunny that reflected their specific career pathway. From welding gear to health science tools to culinary touches, each bunny told a story about the skills, tools, and talents involved in their field.

WBL Project
Work-based Learning

Work-Based Learning (WBL) students at Jones County Career and Technical Center recently took on a unique and career-focused challenge: designing an original bunny inspired by the iconic Cadbury Bunny brand. But this wasn’t just about bunnies—it was about creativity, career identity, and developing real-world skills.

The project was framed as a pretend assignment from Cadbury itself, challenging our Career Tech students to design a bunny that would represent the diverse programs offered at our center. Each student stepped into the role of a creative professional, crafting a bunny that reflected their specific career pathway. From welding gear to health science tools to culinary touches, each bunny told a story about the skills, tools, and talents involved in their field.

Personal Finance
personal finance

Jones County Career Tech Center Work-Based Learning students, Sam Gill and Ginny Dement, are gaining valuable skills in how to invest, save money, and write checks, while learning the fundamentals of old-school personal finance to ensure their future financial success.

Cooperative Learning in Welding
Welding

Sam Gill, Welding II student and Work Based Learning student, assists Mr. Richard West, Welding Instructor, in teaching first-year welding student Raiden Bishop how to light a torch and reshape metal.

Cooperative Learning in Welding
Second Block

Sam Gill, Welding II student and Work Based Learning student, assists Mr. Richard West, Welding Instructor, in teaching first-year welding student Raiden Bishop how to light a torch and reshape metal.

Coffee & Conversation: Dr. Hope Perkins Inspires Jones County CTC Students
Dr. Perkins

We recently had the honor of hosting Dr. Hope Perkins from South Ridge Medical Center for an inspiring Coffee & Conversation at Jones County Career Tech Center! Dr. Perkins, a proud graduate of the Jones County School District, shared her remarkable journey of becoming a doctor, offering our Health Science students a glimpse into the dedication and perseverance that helped her succeed.

During her visit, Dr. Perkins shared valuable life lessons about work ethic, the importance of staying true to oneself, and how overcoming challenges is a key part of personal growth. She encouraged students to embrace their passions while staying grounded and humble. Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and determination in achieving one’s dreams.

Forrest General Hospital "Coffee and Conversations" Guest Speaker
WBL

As part of our "Coffee and Conversations" series at Jones County Career Tech Center, Kaitlyn Cox, Patient Care Manager at the FGH Intensive Care Unit, joined us to share her career journey and offer valuable advice to our IT, Health Science, and WBL students. During her visit, Kaitlyn spoke passionately about the importance of giving your best in everything you do. She emphasized how every experience, both good and challenging, provides an opportunity to learn and grow. Her message to students was clear: always strive to do your best, no matter the circumstance, and embrace each learning experience along the way.

Kaitlyn also took time to discuss career opportunities at Forrest General Hospital, breaking down her personal nursing journey and explaining the various roles within the hospital. She gave students examples of the types of nursing staff FGH hires and shared what it takes to pursue those roles, offering a real-world look at what it takes to succeed in healthcare. Additionally, she spoke directly to the IT scholars about the exciting career opportunities available at FGH for those interested in technology roles in healthcare, highlighting the growing demand for IT professionals in the healthcare industry.  A proud product of the Jones County School District, Kaitlyn's journey is a testament to the quality of education right here in our community. She encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them at the Jones County Career Tech Center.

Wellness Walk
Wellness Walk

The Jones County Career Tech Center hosted a Healthy Walk for high school students  to promote a healthy lifestyle. Students from the center came together to enjoy the walk and connect with one another.

The theme "Where Legends Are Made" was created by the Work Based Learning scholars to inspire their peers to focus on fitness and wellness. The Health Science program helped promote the event, encouraging students to take charge of their health.  All programs of CTEC: Welding, Culinary Arts, Drafting, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive Service, IT, and WBL participated in the event to promote healthy habits! 

Lighten Their Load
Community Service

Abby Hodge, a Work-Based Learning scholar, stands with her instructor, Devon Sellers. "Lighten Their Load." They organized this project, "Lighten Their Load" to encourage Jones County Career Technical Center to help people in North Carolina who need support. 

WORK-BASED LEARNING STUDENT USES HER SKILLS TO TEACH FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
A. Hodge

Abby Hodge, currently a Work-Based Learning student and  Automotive Service Completer at Jones County Career Technical Center, is showing first-year student Jackson Roberts how to operate a car lift. The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program allows experienced students, like Hodge, to return to their program and mentor first-year students. This hands-on approach helps newcomers gain practical skills and confidence while it allows WBL students to prepare for the workforce. To participate in WBL, students must either have completed a career technical  program or be enrolled in their second year. For information on WBL contact Devon Sellers, and for information on Automotive service program contact Steven Myers.

WORK-BASED LEARNING STUDENT USES HER SKILLS TO TEACH FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
WBL

Abby Hodge, currently a Work-Based Learning student and  Automotive Service Completer at Jones County Career Technical Center, is showing first-year student Jackson Roberts how to operate a car lift. The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program allows experienced students, like Hodge, to return to their program and mentor first-year students. This hands-on approach helps newcomers gain practical skills and confidence while it allows WBL students to prepare for the workforce. To participate in WBL, students must either have completed a career technical  program or be enrolled in their second year. For information on WBL contact Devon Sellers, and for information on Automotive service program contact Steven Myers.

WORK-BASED LEARNING STUDENT USES HER SKILLS TO TEACH FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
Automotive Service Completer

Abby Hodge, currently a Work-Based Learning student and  Automotive Service Completer at Jones County Career Technical Center, is showing first-year student Jackson Roberts how to operate a car lift. The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program allows experienced students, like Hodge, to return to their program and mentor first-year students. This hands-on approach helps newcomers gain practical skills and confidence while it allows WBL students to prepare for the workforce. To participate in WBL, students must either have completed a career technical  program or be enrolled in their second year. For information on WBL contact Devon Sellers, and for information on Automotive service program contact Steven Myers.

WORK-BASED LEARNING COMMUNITY PROJECT
WBL Project

In the photo, Lillee, a 2nd year Culinary Arts and Work-Based Learning scholar, and Mr. Rex Buckhaults, Career Technical Center Director, are standing and reviewing details for their community project.

WORK-BASED LEARNING AND HEALTH SCIENCE SCHOLAR
T. Knight

TyKamra Knight, a Work-Based Learning and Health Science scholar, was performing pulse and respiration checks for her clinicals with assistance from Ms. Bynum, her health science teacher. Lillie Dozier, a patient who is enrolled in the Culinary Arts program and also participating in Work-Based Learning, was the one receiving the checks.

WBL and Automotive Service Tech Students Create Resumes
Creating Resumes

Trinity Reon, a Work-Based Learning scholar, is assisting Alejandro Preza, an Automotive Service Tech program scholar, in creating a resume. Trinity is providing guidance and support to Alejandro as he works on developing his resume, showcasing the mentorship and learning opportunities within the Work-Based Learning program. The scene captures a moment of professional development of WBL and skill-building, highlighting the dedication of both scholars to their career advancement.

WBL STUDENTS DEMONSTRATE BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SKILLS
WBL

Trinity Reon, a 2nd year Culinary Arts and Work- Based Learning scholar, is instructing Tristen Rowell, an Auto Collision completer and Work- Based Learning scholar, on writing professional business emails and effective email communication. They are deeply focused, with Trinity demonstrating key techniques.  The Work-Based Learning program focuses on preparing career technical scholars for success.  

Aircraft Industry Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker

Rickey Hodge, an Air Force veteran who works for V2X spoke to Jones County Career Technical Center  Welding, Automotive, and Work-Based Learning scholars about his career and the essential skills needed in the industrial field, particularly in the aircraft industry. Mr. Hodge provided valuable insights into the role of Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) and its critical importance in ensuring the safety and integrity of aircraft components. He explained how NDI techniques help identify potential issues without causing damage, which is vital in maintaining high safety standards in aviation. During his presentation, Mr. Hodge stressed the importance of mastering foundational skills. He encouraged our students to fully engage in their training at the center, reminding them that a solid understanding of their craft is essential for success in the aircraft industry and beyond. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of continuous learning, urging students to pursue additional certificates and degrees in their fields. By investing in their education, they can enhance their marketability and open doors to more opportunities in a competitive job market.  Our scholars were inspired by his experiences and practical advice, which highlighted the real-world applications of their education.  Mr. Hodge is pictured with Jones County Career Technical Center Automotive Service Completer and WBL scholar, Abby Hodge,  who is also Mr. Ricky Hodge's daughter.  Abby is a  Senior at NEJ.  Thank you, Mr. Hodge, for sharing your time and expertise, and for motivating the next generation of skilled professionals in the aircraft industry!

WBL Students Assist in Culinary Arts
WBL

Trinity Reon and Lillie Dozier, both in their second year of the Culinary Arts and Work-Based Learning program, assisted Mrs. Benson, the Culinary Arts instructor, with her first-year students. They helped guide the first year students through the process of preparing and baking blueberry muffins.

WBL Students Assist in Culinary Arts
Culinary Lab

Trinity Reon and Lillie Dozier, both in their second year of the Culinary Arts and Work-Based Learning program, assisted Mrs. Benson, the Culinary Arts instructor, with her first-year students. They helped guide the first year students through the process of preparing and baking blueberry muffins.

WBL Students Assist in Culinary Arts
WBL assists in Culinary

Trinity Reon and Lillie Dozier, both in their second year of the Culinary Arts and Work-Based Learning program, assisted Mrs. Benson, the Culinary Arts instructor, with her first-year students. They helped guide the first year students through the process of preparing and baking blueberry muffins.

WBL Students Assist in Culinary Arts
culinary

Trinity Reon and Lillie Dozier, both in their second year of the Culinary Arts and Work-Based Learning program, assisted Mrs. Benson, the Culinary Arts instructor, with her first-year students. They helped guide the first year students through the process of preparing and baking blueberry muffins.

WBL Students Assist in Culinary Arts
Muffin Lab

Trinity Reon and Lillie Dozier, both in their second year of the Culinary Arts and Work-Based Learning program, assisted Mrs. Benson, the Culinary Arts instructor, with her first-year students. They helped guide the first year students through the process of preparing and baking blueberry muffins.

Reality Fair
Reality Fair

Mississippi Credit Union Association hosted a Reality Fair at the Career Tech Center on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Students in the Automotive Service, Work-Based Learning, Welding, Culinary Arts, Health Science, Drafting, Collision Repair and Information Technology programs participated in the event. Students had the opportunity to manage their checking account and make important life choices about housing, cars, utilities, and insurance. The Reality Fair is a wonderful simulation to help students understand the importance of budgeting and financial planning.