Work and Learn through the Work Experience Program & Internships
Lassen Community College students have a variety of opportunities to develop job skills in a work setting environment by participating in the Work Experience Program. The Work Experience Program consists of a selection of courses in which students build work skills through specified learning they pursue in their individual work settings. Work based learning opportunities exist for students who are currently employed in either the public or private sector, work-study jobs, or in volunteer positions. Students may begin the Work Experience Program while they are in the process of obtaining work. Paid and volunteer internships exist. Upon completion of their Work Experience course, students earn transferable credit(s) with a letter grade.
Students who participate in work based learning opportunities through the Work Experience Program find they strengthen their workplace skills, enhance their career development, are able to add meaningful experiences to their resume, and develop contacts and references for future job searching.
There are three types of Work Experience courses; General Work Experience (WE1), Vocational Work Experience (vocational courses numbered '49' such as; AJ49, or HUS49) and Occupational Work Experience (WE2).
- General Work Experience - assists students in learning about the world of work and is open to students regardless of major or job. Through this course students develop and/or improve basic work habits and entry level job skills.
- Vocational Work Experience - provides students with opportunities to develop or strengthen marketable skills in their current job that are related to their vocational career objective.
- Occupational Work Experience - provides students with opportunities to develop or add marketable skills related to their transfer major at California State Universities and Colleges. Students transferring to private or out of state universities and colleges should meet with their counselor to determine the transferability of work experience credits. The University of California does not allow transfer credit for Cooperative Work Experience.
How the Program Works
At the beginning of the semester students attend one of several Work Experience Orientations listed in the class schedule. During the orientation students are given all the information they need to successfully complete the program. Students begin by meeting with their work supervisor to create individualized measurable occupational learning objectives that identify new skills to be learned on the job by the end of the semester. Next they submit their objectives to the Work Experience Office for approval.
Throughout the course, students work toward accomplishing their learning objectives and demonstrating good basic work skills on the job. The Work Experience Instructor/Coordinator visits the worksite to complete an evaluation and provides support and assistance to student and employer throughout the program. Grades for Work Experience are based on completion of identified learning objectives, demonstration of good basic work skills and completion of Work Experience course assignments. Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
- Be working in a paid or volunteer position for a licensed business. Students who do not have a job or internship and would like assistance should contact the Cooperative Work Experience Education office.
- Register for 1-8 units of Vocational or Occupational Work Experience, or 1-6 units of General Work Experience. Students who are working in a position related to their college major and are taking, or have taken a course in that area should enroll in the area's Work Experience course. Interested vocational students may earn college credit in the following majors: Agriculture, Administration of Justice, Art, Automotive Technology, Business, Child Development, Computer Applications, Correctional Science, Fire Technology, Gunsmithing, Health Occupations, Human Services, Journalism, Physical Education, and Welding Technology. One unit of credit may be earned for every 75 hours of paid work experience, or for every 60 hours of volunteer experience. Enrollment in Work Experience courses is limited to a maximum of 16 units, including all Vocational, Occupational and General Work Experience enrollments. Enrollment limitations exist. See a counselor or the Work Experience Coordinator for further information.
- Attend a Work Experience Orientation during the first two weeks of the course to get started in the program and receive all necessary course materials.
For more information about the Work Experience Program contact Lisa Gardiner, Work Experience Coordinator at: lgardiner@lassencollege.edu, or 530.251.8856.
