Work-Based Learning

Benefits

The Work-Based Learning experience allows students to:

• Earn college credit while acquiring real world experience
• Gain a working knowledge in their program of study
• Relate classroom concepts to job activities
• Network with field professionals
• Establish solid job references

Program Objectives

• To provide students supervised work experience in a curriculum-related field with area businesses, industries, and public agencies.
• To support career development for students within their program of study.
•  To network with employers and prospective employers regarding the WBL program and support economic workforce development.
• Create and maintain accurate, detailed WBL records in adherence to the North Carolina Community College System Policies and Procedures.

Eligible Programs

Work-Based Learning is a required course in the following programs

• Culinary Arts
• Hospitality Management Administration
• Medical Office Administration
• Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Certificate
• Paralegal Technology
• Surgical First Assistant Certificate

Work-Based Learning is an elective course in the following programs

• Accounting & Finance
  
• Advertising and Graphic Design
  
• A/C, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
• Associate in Arts
• Associate in General Education
  
• Associate in Science
  
• Building Construction Technology
  
• Business Administration
• Carpentry
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Diploma
• Criminal Justice Technology
• Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Science
• Electrical Systems Technology
• Emergency Management
• Fire Protection Technology
• Funeral Service Education
  
• Health and Fitness Science
  
• Horticulture Technology
• Information Technology
• Intelligence Studies
  
• Office Administration
  
• Plumbing
  
• Simulation and Game Development
  
• Supply Chain Management
  
• Systems Security & Analysis Welding Technology

Employer Information

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program places students in occupations related to their programs of study and in alignment with career goals. Area businesses, industries, and public agencies provide ascending levels of responsibility and training for the intern.

Students are pre-screened by the Work-Based Learning Director and must meet academic requirements. In addition, applicants must have a basic foundation in their program of study (at least 12 credit hours of their major/core courses completed), so that they can meet employer expectations.

To participate in Work-Based Learning as an employer, please complete the Work Based-Learning Employer Request form.

Employer Benefits

• Reduced recruiting/training costs
• Pre-screened applicants
• Skilled interns with a basic foundation
• No contracts or fees
• Potential permanent employees
• Community involvement
• Positive impact on workforce development

Program Structure

Students are placed at the beginning of each 16-week semester:

• Fall (mid-August through mid-December)
• Spring (mid-January through mid-May)
• Summer (end of May through July)

Students work a part-time schedule while attending classes at FTCC.

• 1 Credit Hour = 160 hours/semester (10-19 hours/week)
• 2 Credit Hours = 320 hours/semester (20+ hours/week)
• 3 Credit Hours = 480 hours/semester (30+ hours/week)

Policies & Procedures

View Employer Policies and Procedures

Employers set the standard for the quality of work and determine the rate of pay if internship is paid. Students must meet the employer standards as well as the academic requirements of the College.

Student Enrollment

Application Deadlines

• Spring Semester – 1 November
• Summer Semester –  1 April
• Fall Semester – 1 July

To enroll in Work-Based Learning, a student must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled in a program that offers the Work-Based Learning option.
• Have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in your concentration.
• Have at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Possess the basic skills required by the employer
• Complete a Work-Based Learning application (Form W-8)
• Complete Student Placement form.

Only the Work-Based Learning Director can approve and register students.

Harassment/Discrimination Policy

Fayetteville Technical Community College is committed to enforcing the practice of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in personnel policies and intends that employees of the College and citizens of its service are made aware of this commitment. FTCC adheres to the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or 1964 and 1991 and considers sexual harassment an illegal form of discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 permits victims of intentional discrimination, including sexual harassment to have jury trials and to collect compensatory damages for pain and suffering and punitive damages in cases where the employer acted with “malice or reckless indifference.” FTCC also adheres to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, and sex.

Under what conditions may sexual harassment occur?

• Sexual harassment has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work/school environment.
• When submission to such conduct is made either explicitly as a term or condition of an individual’s employment, education decisions, or advancement.
• When submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment, education decisions, or advancement decisions affecting such individual.

Insurance Responsibilities

Accident Insurance

Accident insurance is included as a Student Activity fee as part of all students’ tuition. Coverage begins at the beginning of the term/semester and stops at the end of the term/semester.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Employers are required to provide Workers’ Compensation for paid WBL positions during the entire length of the WBL activity. North Carolina law requires all employers to provide this coverage if employing three (3) or more employees.

Unemployment Insurance

By action of the Federal Government and the North Carolina Assembly, WBL students may not apply for unemployment insurance based upon WBL employment. Therefore, unemployment insurance premiums shall not be paid on WBL students working in the state.