Grades 9-12: Career Training/Work-Based Learning

During grades nine through twelve, students will focus on the question, “How do I get where I am going?” with the support of career educators, counselors, and career coaches. Students will participate in career exposure, training, and work-based learning opportunities to inform their career path.

MDE Resources:

• K-12 Work-Based Learning Guidance (in online folder)
• Individual Success Plan (ISP) Resources
• College and Career Readiness Resources
• MDE Career Development Resource Document
• MDE Exploring Careers Course
• MS Program of Study Resources (RCU updating these documents, summer completion date)
• JROTC
• Mississippi State University Research and Curriculum Unit (RCU)
• MS College and Career Readiness Course
• Bridge to Career Course

Some Suggested Strategies:

• Review and update each student’s Individual Success Plan (ISP) annually
• Utilize Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) career development and exploration resources
• Collaborate with school counselors to plan high school coursework aligned to career interests
• Partner with career coaches to plan work-based learning (WBL) experiences
• Plan and conduct business, industry, and postsecondary tours
• Organize job shadowing opportunities and industry-related field trips
• Invite human resources professionals to discuss hiring practices, required skills, and employment documentation
• Introduce students to apprenticeships and regional work-based learning opportunities
• Advise students on all elective options, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways
• Plan field trips to community colleges, universities, and technical centers
• Coordinate CTE program visits or tours at local community colleges
• Conduct employability preparation workshops (resume writing, mock interviews, leadership development)
• Provide sustained opportunities for students to interact with business partners and industry professionals
• Implement classroom-based entrepreneurial projects in collaboration with business professionals
• Teach employability skills and work ethic, including teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, technology use, and conflict resolution
• Invite local employers to speak with students about in-demand employability skills
• Model and reinforce leadership and character skills such as time management, self-advocacy, study skills, and public speaking
• Encourage participation in student clubs and leadership activities (e.g., National Honor Society, student government, athletics, robotics)
• Support involvement in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
• Educate students on early college credit options, including AP, IB, dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, Early College, and CTE courses
• Offer opportunities for students to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
• Support exploration of internship and apprenticeship opportunities
• Teach job search skills, including applications, cover letters, interviews, professional communication, and workplace etiquette
• Maintain partnerships with community-based programs and organizations (Junior Achievement,org, 4-H, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development)