Part 1—Career Exploration Chapter 2 Understanding Work-Based Learning

Chapter Objectives Explain what your school expects of you as a student in a work-based learning program. Summarize the effects of the Fair Labor Standards Act on workers. Identify ways you can improve your learning skills.

Key Concepts Your training station is the location of your work-based learning. A social security card is required for work. Depending on your age, you may also need a work permit. A training agreement outlines the purposes of the work-based program and defines the responsibilities of everyone involved. The training plan lists attitudes, skills, and knowledge that you plan to learn during the work experience. continued

Key Concepts Several laws cover fair labor practices and safe labor practices. The study skills you use in the classroom are just as important as the job skills you will learn.

Your Training Station Your on-the-job training will be at a school-approved station. Interview: A planned meeting between a job applicant and an employer.

Get a Social Security Number and a Work Permit Work permit: A document required for those under age 16 (under 18 in some states) to work legally. Limits the number of hours and types of jobs students can do. May be issued by your school. Social Security: A government program providing income to people whose earnings are reduced or stopped. A social security card with your number is required for employment.

Abide by the Training Agreement Training agreement: A type of contract between you, your school, and your employer that outlines your responsibilities. It will require the signatures of you, your parent(s) or guardian, the school coordinator, and the employer. continued

Abide by the Training Agreement General Purposes of the Training Agreement: To assure the employer you are committed to the work experience. To assure you the employer is committed to your training. To assure your parent(s) or guardian you are involved in a well-planned educational experience. To assure the program coordinator all parties understand their responsibilities and are committed to a successful work experience for you.

Follow the Training Plan Training plan: A list of the attitudes, skills, and knowledge you will learn during the work experience. The plan identifies your training supervisor. Training station report: A weekly or monthly record of your progress in the program.

Know the Law You will have a new set of rules to follow when working away from school. Some rules will be outlined in your training plan and others may involve state or federal laws. Many of these laws are “fair labor practices.”

Fair Labor Practices The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): A law that protects workers from unfair treatment by employers. An employee may complain to the Employment Standards Administration or to the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Dept. of Labor if they feel their rights have been violated.

Minimum Wage Minimum wage: The lowest hourly rate of pay employees can receive. Some employees are excluded because of specific employer exemptions. During a training period, employees and trainees may receive less than minimum wage.

Overtime Pay Another FLSA amendment sets guidelines for overtime pay, which must be at least 1½ times the regular pay rate. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are treated like any other day of the week. Employers are not required to pay overtime unless the hours exceed the maximum allowable. This law does not pertain to school-based learning programs.

Equal Pay Equal Pay Act: Established in 1963, the Equal Pay Act requires that both sexes receive equal pay for doing equal jobs. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): U.S. agency that oversees equal employment opportunities for all Americans. Trainees are not entitled to receive the same pay level as an employee, but your pay should match that of other trainees doing the same work.

Child Labor Standards Protect the educational opportunities of children. Prohibit employment of children in jobs that may be hazardous to their health or well-being. continued

Child Labor Standards 18-year-olds can work any number of hours at any job. 16- and 17-year-olds can work at any nonhazardous job for any number of hours. 14- and 15-year-olds may work outside school hours in various jobs for no longer than 3 hours per school day or 18 hours per school week. Some jobs, such as delivering papers or working for a parent’s nonfarm business, may be done with restrictions by children under 14.

Safe Labor Practices The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces safety and health standards for workers. OSHA’s goal is to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

Study and Learn To be successful in your work-based learning program and your future career, you must study as well as work. Your study skills will be needed to master some of your work skills. It is wise to accept the fact you will always need to study to be successful in the world of work.

Practice Good Study Habits Keep a separate notebook for each class. Make sure you clearly understand the assignment. Complete your assignments every day. Set aside a time and place to study. When it is time to study, begin immediately. Study in small segments of time. Do the more difficult assignments first. Use your computer.

Organize Your Schedule Develop a daily schedule to help balance time for: Work. Study. Recreation. Priority: Ranking first in order of importance.

Improve Your Reading Skills Think about what you are reading before you begin. Try to grasp the main ideas. Do not focus on single words. Reread to help you understand details.

Participate in Class Focus on the speaker. Think about what is being said. Sit where you can see and hear well. State facts as you know them. Ask questions about ideas you do not understand.

Take Notes Summarizing: Writing down the main ideas in a study notebook. Organize notes by chapter or date. Write notes in your own words. Do not copy word-for-word from the book. Use a computer to take notes.

Thinking Back What type of training station would you like to experience? What are some laws that may pertain to your training station? Are there any attitudes, skills, or knowledge you need to attain before going to your training station?