Work Based Learning Program

    

Program Details    The Work Based Learning program at OCM BOCES offers a unique opportunity for students between the ages of 16-21 to continue their academic progress while also getting an authentic work experience at one of 30+ businesses and higher education institutions that partner with us to make this program a success. Our primary goal is to help students acquire the work skills and habits they need to support job success and enhance personal growth. Students work in a large variety of settings, from one to five days per week, under the guidance of a one-on-one job coach. They perform a wide range of tasks in the areas such as food service, retail, custodial work, administrative settings and customer service. Times are flexible but students generally work two hours each day. OCM BOCES provides work-based learning opportunities for students in our 23 component districts. We generally have more than 100 students enrolled.
Benefits to Students:	Benefits to Businesses:
Increases skills and positive work habits	Develops skilled and motivated employees
Applies classroom learning to an authentic work experience	Builds a connection between business and education partners
Enhances communication and teamwork	Provides community service for young adults
Establishes contacts for future employment	Provides help with assorted jobs at your business

   

	Success Story At Brown’s Moving & Storage in Warners, Marcellus senior Jack Santee tackled jobs that included operating a baler, loading and unloading trucks, hauling blankets and more. His OCM BOCES job coach, Barbara Locke, monitored his progress. Company President Joel Brown developed a friendly rapport with Jack and other Work Based Learning students and said their service was invaluable. “It’s great to be part of  helping young men and women learn hands-on skills they can apply to their future careers,” he said.
Our Business and Higher Education Partners:
RESTAURANTS	GROCERY STORES
Blue Spruce Lounge	P&C Fresh
Panera Bread	Price Chopper
Pizza Hut	TOPS
Subway	Cortland Produce Cash & Carry
RETAILERS	HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
BJ's Wholesale Club	SUNY Cortland
Ollie's Bargain Outlet	LeMoyne College
Walmart	Syracuse University
Tractor Supply Company	Onondaga Community College
Country Max
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTERS	AUTO REPAIR
Baltimore Woods	Midas
Lime Hollow Nature Center	Mr. Tire
LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES	NON-PROFITS & OTHERS
Boxcar Press	HumaneCNY
Brown's Moving & Storage	YMCA
Cloud City Comics	Goodwill
Greek Peak/Hope Lake Lodge	Access to Independence
Bagelicious	Homer Center for the Arts
	JM McDonald Center

 
For more information, please contact:

Brett Slemmer Work Based Learning Coordinator (315) 431-8519 bslemmer@ocmboces.org

Allison Jennings Work Site Coordinator and Career Development Program (315) 431-8516 ajennings@ocmboces.org