At Steel Center we believe that continuous exposure to actual work environments is imperative to the career planning and development process. Therefore, a number of work-based learning(WBL) options are available to students. Some activities are integral to the training program while others are developed based on a student's interests, preparedness, and eligibility.

Cooperative Education, commonly known as "CO-OP", is a unique plan of education that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. By partnering with local employers, paid employment opportunities are established for students. They are placed in these approved training sites when the job directly relates to their career-technical program. Students are required to attend Steel Center on a regularly scheduled basis to continue related instruction and participate in school activities. The program is under the supervision of a certified Cooperative Education Coordinator who monitors students' progress and evaluates work performance through work-site visits and grading reports.

Objectives and Benefits of Cooperative Education:

For the Student:

• Learning experience under real working conditions 
• Gaining actual work experience in occupational area for which the student is being trained 
• Building self-concept and good work habits such as punctuality, appearance, reliability and responsibility  
• Stimulates interest in classroom work 
• Encourages student to remain in the community and become a participating citizen 
• Paid employment and possible future placement 

For the Employer: 

• Source of qualified, mature employees available for part-time employment 
• Opportunity to train potential full-time employees in their own environment 
• Receive more direct return for tax dollars 
• Opportunity to take an active part in a community service 
• Opportunity to provide input on course content of Career and Technical programs 

For the School:

• More realistic training facilities 
• Better curriculum focused toward actual employer needs 
• Training and direction by actual practitioner in the field to supplement classroom instructions 
• Promote cooperation between the community and the school 

Internship (unpaid) - A work-based learning experience in which a student makes scheduled visits to an approved work-site to learn about a particular industry or occupation. Under the supervision of a work-site mentor(s), the student learns about a profession(s) through observation, personal discussion and hands-on applications. The length of an actual internship is limited and has specific learning objectives. A training agreement and plan must be developed with the host and approved before student placement.

Objectives and Benefits of an Internship

• Learn in a “real-life” environment.
• Acquire new techniques or use equipment not available in the classroom to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Supervised instruction and practice as transition to independent employment.
• Develop resources in the community
• Make informed decisions about careers and training options.
• Network with career professionals.

Job Shadowing provides students with the opportunity to visit a career professional during a “typical workday” to experience the work involved in a potential career area. Visiting a work site allows students to get a well-rounded view of a profession through observation and personal discussion. Job Shadowing is a non-paid experience and actual hands-on activities are limited.

Objectives and Benefits of Job Shadowing for Students:

• Experience a real work setting.
• Observe new techniques or equipment not available at the technical school.
• Learn about career options.
• Develop communication skills with professionals.
• Acquire resources in the community.
• Opportunity to gain a Certificate of Participation for student portfolio.
• Provides the program with updated information and professional input from the business community.
• Develop presentation skills.