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WORK-BASED LEARNING
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities at BCHS align with the manual provided by the Kentucky Department of Education. For questions specifically related to eligibility for Internships, Co-op's, Apprenticeships, or Experience-based work, please contact the grade-level guidance counselor or a CTE instructor or administrators. All BCHS WBL documents are printable below.
INTERNSHIP
Internships provide students with hands-on, on-the-job training with a local employer. These experiences can be short-term or long-term and may be paid or unpaid. A student must have three courses completed in the appropriate pathway to qualify for an Internship. Internships must be included on students schedules and arranged through the Guidance Counselor, CTE instructor, and CTE department.
COOPERATIVE (CO-OP)
Cooperative Education offers students a valuable, paid, long-term learning experience that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Through partnerships with local businesses and industries, students gain hands-on experience in their chosen career fields while developing essential workplace skills that prepare them for future success. A student must have four courses completed in the appropriate pathway to qualify for an Co-op placement. Co-op's must be included on students schedules and arranged through the Guidance Counselor, CTE instructor, and CTE department.
APPRENTICESHIP
Barren County High School offers students the opportunity to participate in Registered Apprenticeships through the Early Childhood Education pathway. Apprenticeships are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor. In Kentucky, the youth/pre-apprenticeship pathway is known as Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK), allowing students to gain valuable industry experience while preparing for high-demand careers. A student must have three courses completed in a pathway, and the apprenticeship must be included on students schedules and arranged through the Guidance Counselor, CTE instructor, and CTE department.
EXPERIENCE-BASED WORK
Experience-based work opportunities, also known as Service Learning, are provided on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on students' course schedules. These opportunities are typically reserved for students that do not have a typical class schedule for reasons such as dual-credit offerings.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
For students with an existing business registered with the KY Secretary of State, entrepreneurship empowers students with a deeper understanding of economic principles while providing hands-on experience in starting and managing a business. A student must have four courses completed in the appropriate pathway to qualify for an Entrepreneurship placement.
ENTERPRISE
School-Based Enterprises provide students with hands-on business experience by operating real or simulated businesses within the school. These enterprises are designed to mirror opportunities within student's chosen career cluster or pathway. Examples of such on the BCHS campus are the snack cart through the business pathways, a development shop through the computer science pathways, and greenhouse sales in the agriculture pathways.
JOB SHADOW
Job shadowing allows students to gain firsthand insight into their chosen career fields by observing professionals in the workplace. This experience helps students understand job responsibilities and connect classroom learning to real-world applications. At BCHS, job shadowing opportunities are provided through CTE instructors if included in the scope of the student's current course work.
MENTORSHIP
Mentors are dedicated volunteers from the business and industry community who guide students in exploring career opportunities and understanding workplace expectations. Through one-on-one relationships, mentors provide valuable insights, support, and real-world experience beyond the traditional classroom or supervisory roles.
WBL Documents
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