CTE & TLP

Student Work Experience (SWE)

Students enrolled in SWE participate in on-campus work assignments during the school day, typically for the duration of two class periods. This opportunity is classified as an elective, and their scheduled work time is coordinated by the Principal. Students receive both class credit and a grade for their participation, recognizing the valuable skills and responsibilities gained through real-world experience.

SWE Program             

The purpose of the Student Work Experience Program is to give students a more in-depth view of the world of work, identify specific occupational skills, and ease the transition from school to the real world of work.  The Student Work Experience Program (SWE) includes work experiences during the school day as well as after school.  A senior or transition age student can be enrolled in the Student Work Experience Program (SWE) during the school day.  Students over the age of 16 can apply to the School to Work (STW) program to work after school or on weekends. 

 A student is enrolled in the SWE Program during the school day by the principal who develops student schedules.  A parent or guardian is required to sign a consent form for a student to participate.  A student will receive class credit and a grade for the class periods they work.  The student is evaluated quarterly by the coordinator and employer and this evaluation is utilized to determine a quarterly grade.  Typically a student is scheduled to work two to three class periods during the school day.  The SWE Coordinator arranges an interview at a local business based on the student’s schedule, job interest and skill set.  If the student is hired by the business a job coach is sent with the student for a training period.  The job coach assists the student with communication and learning their job responsibilities until the student can work independently.  Seniors are transported by a school driver and a transition age student utilizes Jacksonville’s West Central Mass Transit bus system for transportation to and from their place of employment. 

Students 16 years of age and over can apply for a job through the STW program and are required to have parent or guardian sign a consent form.  Residential students can work after school Monday – Thursday.  Jacksonville area students can work Sunday-Saturday.  A student completes an application where he/she documents his/her job interest.  The STW Coordinator collects references from dorm and school staff to verify the applicant’s work ethic, dependability, maturity, and responsibility.  The STW Coordinator arranges an interview at an area business that correlates with the applicant’s interest and availability.  The business determines if they want to offer the student employment and the student determines if he/she will accept the job offer.   The STW Coordinator works with the business and student to set up a weekly work schedule.   A job coach is sent with the student for a training period.  The job coach assists the student with communication and learning their job responsibilities until the student can work independently.  Students are transported to and from their place of employment daily by a STW driver.  The students are evaluated quarterly by their employer and this evaluation is used as a motivational tool to improve work skills and work performance.

Businesses and students who have participated in the program during the school year are invited to attend the Student Work Experience Business Appreciation Luncheon at the end of each school year.  This is an opportunity to thank the businesses for their commitment to the SWE Program and to acknowledge and reward the students for their participation.