Work-Based Learnings Process Guide

Tags FutureTech

What Counts as Work-Based Learning?

FTC currently utilizes the following Work-Based Learning (WBL) activities:

  • Paid Internships
  • Short-Term Work Experiences
  • Job Shadowing
  • Company Tours / Field Trips
  • Career Conversations
  • Mock Interviews
  • Project-Based Employer Work (e.g., real-world project assignments)

FTC may add or adjust activities as employer partnerships evolve.

 

Eligibility

  • FTC does not impose age restrictions on WBL participation.
  • Individual training programs or employer partners may have age or safety requirements.
  • Participants should ask their FTC Coach if unsure about activity-specific requirements.

 

How Participants Are Matched to WBL

Participants may enter WBL through multiple pathways:

1. FTC Coach Initiated

Coaches identify appropriate opportunities based on participant goals, readiness, and program requirements. Coaches may also suggest potential activities (e.g., internship opportunities).

2. Community Partner Initiated

Partner organizations may identify potential WBL events and coordinate with, or invite FTC to, collaborate on employer events.

3. Participant-Initiated

Participants may pursue WBL opportunities independently and notify their coach.

All WBL opportunities must be communicated to an FTC Coach for tracking and approval.

 

WBL Process Steps

Step 1: Identify the Opportunity

A WBL opportunity is identified by the coach, partner, participant, or employer.
The FTC Coach confirms:

  • Participant readiness
  • Any age or safety requirements
  • Scheduling and expectations
  • Whether the activity counts toward FTC's networking requirements

 

Step 2: Prepare the Participant

Depending on the WBL type, preparation may include:

  • Resume updates
  • Interview practice
  • Reviewing conduct expectations
  • Clarifying goals
  • Verifying transportation needs
  • Preparing any required materials

Community partners may assist with:

  • Participant support (e.g., language barriers)
  • Scheduling
  • Logistics
  • Coaching on professional expectations

 

Step 3: Complete the WBL Activity

The participant completes the activity as scheduled.

Completion indicators vary by activity:

  • Internship: completion of hours agreed upon with the employer
  • Short-term work experience: completion of assigned days/shifts
  • Career conversation: completion of the scheduled meeting and completing attendance form
  • Company tour: attendance for the full tour or event
  • Mock interview: completion of the interview session
  • Project-based work: submission of final deliverable

 

Step 4: Documenting the WBL Activity

All WBL activities require some form of documentation, but not all require detailed tracking. Most WBL activities address FTC 2-hour monthly networking requirement.

Documentation requirements depend on the type:

Internships

  • Employer submits hours or timesheets
  • Required for reimbursement and internal reporting

Career Conversations

  • Participants completes attendance form
  • Each career conversation counts as 60 minutes

Company Tours / Field Trips

  • Duration is predetermined by the employer
  • Documentation usually consists of attendance recording by a coach or partner

Job Shadowing / Mock Interviews / Project-Based Work

  • Documentation may include employer confirmation, participant form completion, or staff observation
  • Detailed hour tracking is not required unless otherwise specified

 

Step 5: Recording the Activity

Recording procedures:

  • FTC Coaches record all WBL information, regardless of documentation.
  • Internships are tracked more formally due to reimbursement requirements.
  • Networking hours are tracked to ensure each participant completes 2 hours per month.
  • Other WBL activities are recorded as narrative or categorical entries depending on the purpose and needs at the time.

 

Step 6: Closeout and Completion

A WBL activity is considered complete when:

  • The expected participation is met (e.g., attendance, hours, deliverable)
  • Required documentation is submitted
  • The FTC Coach records the activity and confirms

If additional verification is needed, the coach will request it before closing the activity.

 

Roles and Responsibilities

Participants

  • Attend the activity
  • Demonstrate professionalism
  • Submit required documentation
  • Communicate with coaches or partners

 

Future Tech Coaches

  • Identify and approve WBL opportunities
  • Prepare and support participants
  • Confirm documentation and completion
  • Document WBL activity

 

Community Partners

Partners support WBL participation by:

  • Identifying candidates or events
  • Assisting with preparation
  • Providing barrier support (transportation, scheduling, language access)
  • Otherwise helping participants, if needed
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