World of Work
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Making a Difference for Each Student, One at a Time
Students receive instruction in a safe, well-equipped classroom and are greeted by warm, compassionate, dedicated teachers every day throughout the school year. The hours fly as students are encouraged to be proactive, involved, and busy. When students arrive on campus, they first learn skills in the classroom and then put those skills into practice in the safe experiential learning environment. Students listen attentively to their teacher and are not shy about asking questions. Whether it is cooking, rebuilding a tractor, learning how to operate equipment, or constructing projects, students are engaged in the learning process.
Whatever the course, the heart of the curriculum is to teach students work-based behaviors and attitudes that will lead them to career success in the workplace.
In every classroom, students are engaged and active. They feel connected, involved and part of a team. They make lasting friendships and bonds with their teachers. Students learn together while taking the utmost pride in their work. The World of Work classes serve high school students with a variety of instructional needs. Classes promote self-esteem and positive socialization, as well as cognitive and motor-skills development through a progressive curriculum. The classes integrate students into the most appropriate and least restrictive Career and Tech setting, offering instruction in both generic and job-specific skills, important for competitive employment and independent living.
How to Enroll
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Students can enroll in World of Work classes by discussing this option with professionals at their home school.
World of Work programs prepare students for competitive employment and/or further education, and students can progress through a variety of classes in order to maximize their potential.
All costs, including tuition, books, and transportation, are provided by the home school. Each student is assessed by means of a Readiness Profile that is tailored to the World of Work class.
For a tour of the World of Work programs or to attain more information, please contact: Mr. Kevin Casler, Career and Tech Principal at (607) 257-1551 ext 2002.
World of Work Programs
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Career Exploration Program
The Career Exploration Program provides students with the opportunity to explore realistic career options available in our community. Generally, students who enter this program are nearing completion of their high school careers and this is typically the capstone course leading to entry-level work. Students have the opportunity to participate in four non-paid experiences during the school year. These work experiences are based on specific interests and abilities of the students. Transportation is provided to and from the work site, and students are closely supervised by the teaching staff. Students work directly with a job-site mentor (an employee), learning general and technical job skills in the field. They receive a written work evaluation at the end of the rotating internship. During the theory part of the class, individual progress is closely monitored and instruction is given in job-related areas.
Program Objectives:
Increase Student’s Repertoire of Specific Job Skills
Improve Generic Job Skills
Expose Students to Positive Worker Role Models
Expand Knowledge of Career Options
Involve Students in Realistic Work Environments
Develop a Portfolio of Internship Pictures and evaluations for Interviewing with Potential Employers
Provide Students with Required Work Hours and Study for Attainment of CDOS CredentialOutcomes:
Students May Be Offered Competitive Jobs as a Result of Internships
Provide Opportunities to Explore Realistic Career Options
Create an Internship Portfolio
Opportunities for Wide Range of Internships Based on a Student’s Interest, Aptitude and AbilityTopics of Study:
Problem Solving
Appearance and Work Habits
Showing Initiative and Cooperation
Goal Setting
Time Management
Job-seeking Skills/ Career Exploration
Portfolio DevelopmentFuture Options:
Entry-level Work
Post-secondary Education
Continued Education with a Career & Tech ClassProgram Considerations:
Be in a class size up to 15 with 1 teacher and 2 teacher aides
Ability to follow directions
Ability to work independently and as a team member in employment setting
Follow dress codes and safety rules
Maintain good personal hygiene and sanitation
Follow multi-step tasks
Communicate verbally and in writing
Serve patrons courteously -
Food Services
Our Food Services program is designed to introduce students to the multifaceted World of Work. The curriculum develops a foundation of skills necessary to become an entry-level food service employee. A balance of theory and kitchen skills gives participants a real-world experience. Students work in a large-scale production of various foods, learning how to use culinary tools and equipment while being held to a higher standard and assessment of their finished product. All students are encouraged to develop and exercise their creativity in the selection and presentation of their recipe execution. Additional learning in retail sales reinforces students’ interpersonal and job skills, and students also explore related food service occupations. This class involves all participants to use their literacy, math and science skills as it relates to the culinary field.
Program Objectives:
Provide students with entry-level skills for food service jobs.
Provide students with independent living skills related to food selection, preparation and storage.Outcomes:
Learn about various food service job positions, hot and cold food production, culinary vocabulary, food safety
and sanitation, tools and equipment, bakery products as well as breakfast foods and buffet catering.
Provide opportunities to participate in project-based learning with other World of Work classes.Topics of Study:
Nutrition
Baking Products
Shopping for Food
Human Relations/Communications/Professionalism (employability skills)
Related Academics (literacy, math, science)
Hot and Cold Food Preparation
Proper Use of Tools and Equipment
Buffet Preparation/Service/Catering
Fruits/Vegetables/Grains/Starches/LegumesFuture Options:
Other World of Work Classes
Career & Tech Classes
Entry-level WorkProgram Considerations:
Tolerate loud, dusty, dirty environment
Handle wide range of ability in room
Dress appropriately via the dress code and safety rules
Work independently without direct supervision
Be in a class size up to 15 with 1 teacher and 1 teacher aide
Handle a large space where there is not always line of vision due to cars, equipment and open bay doors
Behave safely around sharp objects, chemicals, torches and machinery
Ability to communicate
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
Abiltiy to follow direction
Ability to work independently and as a team member -
Outdoor Recreation Services
In the Outdoor Recreation Services program, students are exposed to a wide range of job skills and employability learning. The curriculum has a heavy emphasis on the repair and maintenance of small-engine power equipment, including ATVs, lawn mowers and chain saws. Students will also be exposed to several sections of traditional Agricultural Mechanics, including MIG Welding, basic framing, plumbing, wiring and tractor operation and maintenance. As with all World of Work programs, there is an employability training component. We will work on areas such as attendance, punctuality, hygiene, organization and efficiency, building confidence, taking responsibility and showing respect. The goal is to create a personal skill set for each student that will make them as employable as possible upon graduation.
Program Objectives:
Entry-level Job Skills
Organizational Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Knowledge of Career Opportunities and Resources
Basic Mechanic and Shop SkillsOutcomes:
Basic Computer Training
Awareness and Practice of OSHA Requirements
Using Mitchell on Demand SoftwareTopics of Study:
Four-stroke engines
Cutting and Welding
Brake Service and Other Related Auto Service Skills
Detailing, Cleaning, Washing and Waxing Vehicles and Equipment
Basic Woodworking and Light Carpentry
Tractor Operation and Maintenance
Shop Skills
SafetyFuture Options:
Career & Tech Classes
Other World of Work Classes
Entry-level WorkProgram Considerations:
Be safe around sharp objects
Have good hygiene; imperative due to food preparation
Be in a class size up to 15 with 1 teacher and 1 teacher aide.
Able to communicate in a noisy environment
Must adhere to required dress code
Ability to work independently and as a team member
Ability to follow directions