“You’re Hired!” That’s why many students embrace the opportunity to make important job connections while they’re still in school. Work-based learning allows students to work in a field of interest while earning hands-on experience and academic credit.

“I wanted a job during school that would turn into a career,” says Seth White. White participated in an apprenticeship with Schaeffler where he was able to increase his skill set and gain first-hand experience. This type of work-based learning provides students with the flexibility to work in their industry while finishing classes.

Ashley Segal, Cooperative Education Work Experience Coordinator, says that growing companies are always looking for new talent, and work- based learning definitely gives students the foot in the door.

White’s situation is not unique. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that students who took part in work-based learning were more likely to get a job offer, have a job in hand by the time they graduated, and receive a higher starting salary offer than their peers who did not (NACE 2011 Student Survey). In fact, more than 40% of students with work-based learning experience got at least one offer after applying for a job, while only 30% without that experience got an offer.

“Employers in our area have come to rely on York Tech for dedicated work-based learning students who are honing their skills and motivated to work hard,” says Segal. “Many employers realize it’s a great opportunity to develop future talent, contribute to the success of students in their community, and in many cases, see first hand how a potential employee would perform on the job.”

In 2007, former York Tech student Jack Weaverling landed a co-op position at Precision Alliance. Weaverling says that his co-op experience provided him the opportunity to learn in ways that were only possible through first-hand experience. Two weeks after Weaverling started, he was offered a full-time position. As a manufacturing manager at Precision Alliance, Weaverling has found it a part of his duties to hire co-op students. “When a position opens, York Tech is my first contact. As a former co-op participant I know the value of the opportunity, and the talent York Tech can provide,” Weaverling said.

Segal explains, not all work-based learning students will have jobs waiting for them when they graduate, but the experience will go a long way in today’s job market, where candidates need every edge they can get. Segal said, “Experience in the workplace – where students’ skills are really put to the test – is an invaluable credential.”

For more information about York Tech’s work-based learning opportunities, contact Ashley Segal at [email protected] or 803.981.7244.