1. Which students are eligible for the work-based learning program?
þ Students who are at least 16 years of age and classified as either a junior or senior may enroll in the program.
2. What kind of positions can I hire students to perform?
þ Any type of office job such as the following:
a. General Office Clerk
b. Receptionist
c. File Clerk
d. Data Entry Clerk
3. What software should I expect the students to know how to use?
þ Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
4. How many hours must the student work?
þ Students must work at least 15 hours per week.
5. Are students allowed to work weekends?
þ Yes
6. What type of business courses are available for the work-based learning student to take at NMHS?
þ Accounting I and II
þ BCIS I and II (Business Computer Information Systems)
þ Introduction to Business
þ Business Law
þ Business Image Management and Multimedia
7. How much do employers normally pay the work-based learning student?
þ Students should be paid at least minimum wage, but most students are paid much more.
8. Should the employer pay the students with a payroll check?
þ Yes. The check stub should include: hours worked, pay rate, and tax deductions.
9. Are students assigned to each company?
þ No. Students interview, and the employer decides who to hire for the job.
10. What time of day are the students available to work?
þ Some students are available after 12:00 noon and others are available after 2:15 pm.
11. Does the employer evaluate the studentŐs performance? What criteria is used?
þ Yes. Students are evaluated on such items as:
a. ability to follow directions
b. ability to get along with people
c. attendance on the job
d. attitude
e. cooperation
f. dependability
g. enthusiasm
h. initiative
i. personal appearance
j. quality of work
12. How often does the employer evaluate the student?
þ A formal evaluation is conducted every six-week grading period.
13. Should the employer review their evaluation of the studentŐs performance with the students?
þ Yes. Feedback is important to discuss with the students as a means of growth.
14. What do the students learn in the BECP classroom?
þ Responsibility & Accountability
þ Prioritizing
þ Attitudes
þ Business Ethics
þ Communication
þ Teamwork
þ Cultural Diversity
þ Business Clerical Skills
þ Human Relation Skills
þ Banking
þ Budgeting (Personal & Business)
þ Business Skills using Word, Excel, Access, & PowerPoint
þ Certifications: OPAC
15. What is the purpose of the teacherŐs visit?
þ The teacher visits the work site to maintain an open line of communication with the employer for both positive feedback on the students progress or the voicing of any concerns.
16. How often does the employer meet in person with the work-based learning teacher?
þ The state requires that the teacher meet with the employer once per six-week grading period.
17. What is a training plan and what is completed on it?
þ A training plan is a signed agreement between the learning station, the student, the parent, and the teacher. It defines the studentŐs job title, pay rate, and categorizes the tasks completed according to the TEKS for the class.
18. What are TEKS, and how do they apply to the workplace?
þ TEKS are Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills which have been developed by the state for the class. Job related skills are included in the TEKS.
19. Should the employer give the student clear directions and expectations to help improve their performance?
þ Since the students are in a learning situation, setting expectations and clear directions will help them to gain valuable real-world work experience.
20. Should the employer set a work schedule?
þ Yes. Students are asked to maintain a manual weekly timesheet. Employers are asked to sign this timesheet each week approving the documented time worked, tardiness, and absences.
21. Should the employer expect students to call in advance if they are going to be late or absent?
þ Yes. Students are responsible for calling the employer at least 2 (two) hours before their scheduled start time.
22. Should the employer require the student to dress according to company policy?
þ Yes.
Equal access to Career and Technology programs and activities is assured students in the Mesquite Independent School District without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, and/or handicapping condition.