Horizons Youth Services

Two Perkins students get outstanding evaluations for work-based learning internships

WBL students Joseph Gaines and Ryan McKinnon.

Two Carl D Perkins Job Corps students recently received outstanding work-based learning evaluations for their internship at Stumbo Park in Allen, Ky. The students, Joseph Gaines and Ryan McKinnon are doing work-based learning as part of their training in the carpentry career technical training program. Carpentry Instructor Brandon Conley recommended both these students for WBL because of their strong work ethic and the skills they mastered in class.

The young men began working at Stumbo Park in Allen KY, on March 1. They worked each day from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at various projects at the park, learning valuable on-the-job training. Each received his evaluation on March 21 from their supervisor, Rodney Ousley. Ousley wrote the following comments: 

“Joseph is one of the best that has worked at the park. Very pleased with his performance and positive attitude.”  

“Ryan is another great student employee. Very satisfied with his work ethic and attitude. One of the best student employees we have had at the park as well.”

Work Base Learning is vital to student training because it allows students to gain work place experiences such as putting learned trade skills to use, team work, scheduling, time management, etc. While all of these important job skills are taught as part of Career Success Standards (CSS), providing the opportunity for students to apply these skills in a workplace setting enhances their overall job training.

The Perkins Job Corps Center has specific criteria for Work-Based Learning. Students must be at least 40 percent complete in their trade, and be recommended by their instructor. The WBL internships last six weeks, and can be longer at the employer’s request.

The Carl D Perkins Job Corps Center currently has 35 students participating in the Work-based Learning Program in the Tri-County area.