Transition Program: Work Training
Work-based learning is learning that results from work experience designed to increase the knowledge and skills of the student. The work experience is supplemented with instruction and activities that apply, reinforce, or extend the learning that occurs during work, so that learners develop attitudes, knowledge, skills, and habits that might not develop from work experiences.
Work-based learning links secondary and post-secondary education, business and industry, labor and government to provide high school students with a wide range of career opportunities and experiences, leading to a smooth transition from school to work. Work-based learning students come to realize the connection between school and living productive lives. Both educators and business sponsors provide students with the employability and career-related skills they need to be productive members of the workforce. Thus, work-based learning programs serve as a vital link between education and careers.
How Do Students Benefit?
- Explore potential career options
- Learn job specific skills
- Foster positive work ethics
- Understand the value of teamwork
- Exposure to various career opportunities
- Hands-on training
- Opportunities for quality jobs and leadership development
- Potential contacts with employers and post-secondary education
- Connection or “link” between school and work
- Self-confidence from success at school and work
- Develop workplace responsibility, positive attitudes and habits
- Opportunity to add experiences to resume
- Understand job and work-related requirements
Current Work Training Sites and Experiences
- Health Care
- Computer Data Entry
- Food Service / Restaurant
- Retirement Home
- Hospitality Industry
- Animal Care
- Education Settings
- Beauty Salons
- Fitness / Recreation Centers
- Religious Organizations
- Retail Stores
- Grocery / Convenience Stores
- Animal Care
** List of specific locations available upon request
Transition – Operated Micro-Businesses:
- Coaster Creations
- Farmers Market
- Transition Garden
- Transition Marketplace
- Transition Perks
First year students are typically placed at job sites that allow them to develop entry-level vocational and soft skills. Initial placements are intended to challenge and reinforce emerging skills. Results from student interest inventories allow for placement in areas of high interest, when possible. All placements are reviewed at the semester and adjustments are made based on input from student, family, employer and team. Moreover, emphasis is placed on students having diverse job experiences to take note of what they do like and don’t like about a particular job or vocation.
Returning students are placed at job sites of high interest where there is potential for competitive employment. When competitive employment is a goal, teachers work to help obtain employment as well as support the working student by modifying transition attendance to accommodate a competitive work schedule.
In addition to over 45 community-based work experience sites, Lyons Township High School Transition Program is proud to have several micro-businesses including: Transition Perks Coffee Shop in Western Springs, Lyons Township High School Transition Program custom coaster creations, and Lyons Township High School Transition organic garden produce/farm stand. Proceeds from micro-business earnings go to a general scholarship fund for students to pursue post-secondary education and training after leaving the Lyons Township High School Transition Program.
What is the involvement of the pre-vocational/vocational coordinator or person in a similar position
The Transition Program has one full-time Vocational Coordinator. The Vocational Coordinator attends meetings and activities, coordinates family tours of adult agencies and relevant linkages, is a member of the future planning resource team, assists with individual transportation training as it relates to worksites and/or competitive employment, oversees micro-business maintenance and development of new programs, and administers employment-related assessments. In addition to Lyons Township High School Transition Vocational Coordinator, the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education Department of Rehabilitative Services (LADSE DRS) counselor works closely with students to ensure effective transition to adult DRS services after graduation.