JET Program Package: Practical Tools and Resources for Work-Based Learning Programs

1. JET Program Package: • Practical Tools and Resources for Work-Based Learning Programs Kim Catchpole, Nate Arnett, and Ashley Krogel ▬ Ohio State University Extension Contact: catchpole.2@osu.edu or www.metroparks.org/ac The JET Program Package is a newly developed resource designed to share tips and ideas for starting a new work-based learning program and to provide existing work-based learning programs with practical tools to enhance intentionality, evaluation methods, and processes and procedures. JET (Job Experience and Training) The Job Experience Training (JET) Program is a workforce preparation program created and maintained by resources from OSU Extension, Five Rivers MetroParks, and 4-H Youth Development. JET focuses on building important life and career related skills through hands-on work experiences with Adventure Central and other local MetroParks facilities. Approximately 22 teens are selected each year to receive training and participate in an eight-week work experience including reflection and evaluation opportunities. Inside the JET Program Package Ohio 4-H Workforce Prep Model • The Ohio 4-H workforce preparation initiative has been created to strengthen and expand programs that are developing job skills in youth. In an effort to intentionally connect young people to work experiences and record impacts, the following components are used: • Description: an introduction to work based learning and the JET program • Program timeline: duties, opportunities, and events that take place through a complete cycle of the JET program. • Training and workshop descriptions: Key objectives and content are included for all workshops and trainings. • Career Awareness and Exploration: From an early age, youth participate in career-focused activities with guided reflection. • Skill Development: Building on a foundation of life skills development, youth build applied skills needed for the world of work such as team work, communication, and preparing a resume. • Work-Based Learning: Teens are involved in practical opportunities that integrate work and learning experiences. These are real life experiences that are structured, supervised, and evaluated. • Post Secondary Internships: Adults apply knowledge and experiences in a career field through formal academic or technical training combined with professional work experience in an internship setting. • Adult Development and Leadership: Adults as lifelong learners improve their own skills for the workplace and learn to better support youth in workforce preparation (as volunteers, parents, educators, mentors, and parents). • Sample application: a copy of the teen-friendly JET application. • Interview rubric and questions: used for scoring interviewees and choosing ideal placements. • Evaluation templates: a standardized evaluation that should be ideal for any work based learning program. • JET Goals • To develop workplace skills and competencies through practical work experiences in park related careers • To provide a meaningful service to the public Value of the JET Program How to use the JET Program Package • The JET program was intentionally designed to incorporate hands-on learning experiences, guided reflection, and exposure to a variety of careers. • The hands-on work experiences provide real world situations and skill building the teens will need as they pursue jobs in the future. Teens are treated as official team members for eight weeks and must learn to handle a variety of different situations while receiving support from caring adults. • Meetings for all JET teens are incorporated into the summer schedule as a way to connect and reflect. Teens get to see and talk to other students in the program. This is an opportunity for them to share stories, ask for advice, and give feedback to their peers. • The opportunity to explore a variety of careers within the framework of parks and recreation encourages teens to look for these types of jobs in the future. The JET program shows the teens that not all park related jobs involve pulling weeds and mowing grass. We have opportunities for teens to work in administrative positions, be involved with recreation related duties, assist with educational programs, and interact with public visitors in a variety of ways. The JET Program Package is designed to be a model for new work-based learning programs or to be used as a resource for existing programs. Here are some ideas on how to use this resource to enhance your existing program. JET Indicators of Success • Streamline application and interview processes using our templates and scheduling model • Increase intentionality of delivering a program with 21st century skills as an outcome • Evaluate your program effectively using the JET performance appraisal • Enhance participant learning using our reflection journal • Update training and workshop content by including JET resources • In 2008 JET participants received 4 of 4 top honors at the Ohio State Fair 4-H Workforce Prep Day contest • An article highlighting the JET program was published in the Journal of Youth Development (Ferrari, Arnett, & Cochran, 2008). It can be accessed at: http://www.nae4ha.org/directory/jtd • In 2009 JET was named a National 4-H Program of Distinction. It can be accessed at: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/pod.com