Last year, the Work Based Learning (WBL) program kicked off thanks to Work Based Learning Coordinator Janine Ensign. After working for the school district for 21 years, Ensign wanted to open up the opportunity for work based learning for students.
Last school year, work based learning functioned more like an independent study. Getting the program up and running was a challenge, with nothing to go on, needing to meet state requirements, as well as making it work for Park High. But this year, WBL is back with some big changes.
To prepare kids to enter the workforce, Ensign is focusing on helping juniors and seniors learn employability skills, earn certifications, and get internships with community partners. And while work based learning counts as a CTE credit, Ensign says the important thing is, “It’s not about the credit, it’s about the experience.”
Some notable fields that Park High’s students are getting involved with are law, healthcare (nursing, phlebotomy, radiology, and physical therapy), laser technology, veterinary services, counseling, education, maintenance, agriculture, cosmetology, entrepreneurship, and an internship with the Shane Center.
This year, Highlands College in Butte was able to partner with Park High to provide 13 college credits for free to PHS students in work based learning. Students can receive three credits for Math of 100 Level, three credits for WRIT 101, three credits for intro to health careers, and four credits for a CNA course.
Right now, there are 34 students in WBL, but Ensign says that number can easily increase. Her hope for the program is for it to grow. And while WBL is only available for juniors and seniors, it might be open in some way to freshmen and sophomores down the road.
While WBL is excellent to give you contacts, certifications, and augment a job application, it’s also very enjoyable according to seniors Megan and Alissa Ruebusch. Last semester, the twins explored the healthcare field (specifically nursing).
Alissa earned certifications in CPR, PPE, ER safety, HIPAA, LPR, and OSHA just to name a few. Megan earned certifications in LPR, first aid, BBP, OSHA, and more.The two worked at Livingston Healthcare for two days a week for one to four hours, averaging two hours. They encourage students to get involved with work based learning because, “It’s just a good opportunity for everything,” says Megan. It gets you into a field, and you get experience.