The Role of the Work-Based Learning Coordinator | Origin: CS130
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Creating Work-Based Learning Programs - First Steps --> The Role of the Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I agree with several of the other commentators. As a coordinator, juggling multiple roles simultaneously is standard practice (at some schools), but the ability to articulate a program's vision while collaborating effectively with students, teachers, employers, counselors, businesses, and admin is essential.
I also believe it is important to approach this work with grace, confidence, and enthusiasm, especially when it comes to being flexible. I learned both from this course and from experience that programs rarely run on a linear path and so it is important to have the agility to pivot when things need to be adjusted or improved. It is important to keep working hard to create better opportunities for students that are based on quality, not quantity. I want to make sure the work is meaningful and impactful rather than just checking boxes so that we transform challenges and setbacks into a sustainable, responsive program.
The WBL Coordinator has many responsibilities that are all important to consider and all help to build a successful program. One of these responsibilities includes evaluating the program using multiple points of data. This is not just student enrollment, but other pieces of data that help to make the program effective.
My initial thoughts on the WBL Coordinator role is that they would handle all the required tasks alone. This module helped me to realize that a team can be assembled to assist with some of the different tasks. That gives me energy to move forward!
Being mindful of all of the roles a WBL coordinator has will help ensure that our program is a success. While I feel comfortable with data and collection of data points I am not as strong in the realm of PR. This will be an area for me to focus on.
I am excited about the idea of a PR campaign - I plan to do a service learning project with each grade level, work with elementary teachers to include career awareness activities, create a WBL page on our website, and start social media pages for my WBL/all CTE programs and have the kids help me share our program goals.
This module emphasized that the coordinators primary role is acting as a strategic bridge connecting students, academic instructors, and employer partners.
I learned the the WBL Coordinator is not an administrator but rather reports to an administrator and has many roles and responsibilities.
This module looks at the role of the WBL coordinator, it goes beyond the placing students in workplace. The coordinator helps prepare students with employability skills, maintaining communications with employers, monitoring student progress, and ensuring experiences align with the career pathways. I will continue to embed employability skills, communication and career readiness into classroom projects and hands on learning experiences.
I appreciate that the course recognizes the number of roles WBL coordinators have! I like the idea of using surveys to collect information from students and business partners. This information is helpful to know what is going well and how the WBL program can improve.
I learned that a WBL coordinator connects students, schools, and employers and has to keep the program organized and updated. I plan to apply this by communicating clearly and making sure everyone understands expectations before placements.
I learned about the different parts of the job that culminates to create an effective work based learner coordinator!
Great information! I hadn't thought much about media campaigns. However, I see that this is a big part of WBL program. I also liked that it highlighted getting to know each students current skills set.
I love how comprehensive this unit is in discussing the roll of the coordinator. I love the social media posts for getting the word out. I also love how important a strong working relationship needs to be with school admin. I am particularly impressed with the evaluation component for ALL stakeholders involved in the program.
Employability or essential skills development is as important as relevant technical skills development for students in a WBL program. I hear time and again from professionals and employers that they are up to teaching interns skills relating to their industry or profession, but the essential skills learning needs to start early with students. I also believe the WBL Coordinator has to have PASSION for his/her roles and responsibilities to ensure success for all involved stakeholders.
The WBL Coordinator plays a huge part in the success of the program. The importance of getting feedback from your stakeholders each year, in order to improve your program.
I found it enlightening to not focus on numbers but quality. Wondering if this is the typical case in districts or if enrollment supersedes the quality?
The coordinator wears many hats and more often than not, more than one at the same time. Because of the blurring of roles, it is important that the coordinator is able to clearly communicate the aims of the program and collaboratively develop plans for continuous improvement with students, employers, school counselors, school administration, etc.
Emphasis on public relations hit home for me - social media, business/industry recognition, service learning projects for students.
Work-based learning is a benefit to not only the school community but also the community. There are many tasks to be done. It is not solely on the cte teacher but the cte coordinator, administrators, and partners.
