Mike Kelly

I will continue to develop an already robust community partnership with local businesses and professionals through community service clubs such as Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and industry associations.  

I appreciate the emphasis on transitioning planning and the services VocRehab offers students with disabilities.  Crucial for those students in involved in WBL. 

I realize I am on the right path with working on essential/employability skills development with students and the importance this has on their success in WBL.

My awareness of the importance of supporting middle school students in career awareness and exploration has increased.  High-quality work-based learning experiences at this age level is critical in the success of continuing to support secondary education students in WBL.

Support all students, including those with disabilities, those living in rural areas, students who have little financial resources and students who do not have access to employers and professionals who are not on board with WBL.

I also feel it is important to have a business orientation as well as a supervisor's orientation.  These are two very different audiences in some cases.  When you are partnering with, say a small business, orientation may cover both at the same time.  It's different, though, with a large business or company.  You need the understanding and buy in from the overall management perspective as well as the supervisor.  I appreciate Mary Xiong's concern with this potentially being burdensome on the employer.  Understanding each business setting culture is important prior to acting.

Training agreements and plans are crucial to WBL program success.  All parties need to understand and agree to their part in the support of a student in a WBL internship/apprenticeship.  Performance evaluation is an great way to provide feedback to students concerning their skills development during their internship and at the conclusion of their internship.  It adds to the overall success of the experience for the student.

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. 

I feel you can never underestimate the importance of identifying and communicating with the stakeholders in your community.  They are the most valuable partners in the establishment and ongoing success of a WBL program.  You will quickly learn who your go to people are, "your champions".  I refer to them as ambassadors.  I appreciate the emphasis on good communication with Board Trustees - critical to the success of the program as well.  The same goes with Administration.     

There are several different steps/processes/intentional experiential activities that can build one upon another for students in WBL.  Each has its own intention and value in helping to develop students' awareness and understanding of what it will take to pursue specific career pathways.  I like learning about the multitude of categories and strategies for consideration in building a robust WBL program.