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Work Based Learning (WBL) Courses

​​​​​​​​​​​DMACC’S Work-Based Learning (WBL) courses are educational credit that focuses on awareness and exploration of careers and academic pathways.

Work Based Learning (WBL) courses help students identify and build upon their interests and strengths. Students will gain skills and experience that support future success in their chosen career field. WBL courses are perfect for students who are still deciding on a career pathway or are interested in learning more about a career area through hands on experiences.​​

Find an upcoming WBL course

Course Descriptions

WBL 100 - Exploring Careers

Credits​: 1
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Vocational/Technical​

​This course will provide guidance in choosing a career goal and preparing for employment. Emphasis will be placed on identifying interests, abilities, and values, and exploring options for careers. Students will learn how to access labor market information and employment trends. Additionally, students will develop the skills and aptitudes necessary to obtain employment, emphasizing the development of characteristics associated with job success. ​

Competencies​

  1. ​Explore careers through various tools and activities
    • Use a ​variety of ​career planning tools and activities to assess interests, abilities, and values.
    • Utilize resources to research career options with regard to self-assessment results, employment trends, and labor market information.
  2. Create an educational plan based on career goals
    • Develop knowledge of the relationship between education and work and how each contributes to the economy and society.
    • Develop a plan to align educational goals with career goals; identify resources and time required to meet goals.
    • Examine how personal interests are reflected in career decision-making and educational advancement.
  3. Perform a job search based on personal career interest
    • Identify job search techniques for specific occupations, including effectively using online search tools.
    • Identify job search techniques for specific occupations, including effectively using professional organizations, and other resources.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to create a resume and cover letter.
    • Write a resume.
    • Write a cover letter.
  5. Prepare for employment.
    • Demonstrate the ability to participate in a job interview.
    • Demonstrate the ability to complete an employment application.
  6. Present professional image
    • Develop a professional image and practice business etiquette.
    • Practice workplace skills of understanding, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, collegiality, empathy, and polite behavior.​

Competencies Re​vised Date: 2020

WBL 110 - Employability Skills​

Credits: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Vocational/Technical

This course is designed to assist students in developing the skills necessary to obtain employment, and to learn and practice the skills and attitudes required for job success. Students will practice resume writing, job application completion, and interviewing techniques. Additionally, students will practice work-place problem solving strategies, and demonstrate skills required to work in a diverse environment.

Competencies​

  1. ​Demonstrate the ability to create a resume and cover letter.​​
    • Write a resume.
    • Write a cover letter​​.
  2. Examine the elements of ​an effective interview skills
    • Describe the elements of an effective interview​.
    • Practice job interview skills​.
    • Demonstrate the ability to participate in a job interview.
  3. Determine appropriate professional appearance ​​as required in the workplace.
    • Discuss the impact of personal app​earance on success in the workplace.
    • Identify steps necessary to develop a professional image.
  4. Evaluate appropriate professional behaviors as required in the workplace.
    • Demonstrate professional behavior in workplace and social situations.
    • Describe appropriate and inappropriate relationships with a supervisor, collea​gues, and customers.
    • Identify successful ​solutions to specific workplace problems.
    • Identify and practice workplace skills of ​understanding, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, collegiality, empathy, and polite behavior.

Competencies Revised Date: 2020

WBL 150 - Job Shadowing

Credits: 1
Lecture Hours: .5
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 2
Course Type: Vocational/Technical​

Students in this course will explore a field of interest while developing research skills, professionalism, and building occupational knowledge. Students will visit workplaces of interest to learn about specific jobs and professional requirements, and to develop a basic knowledge of the organization’s structure and values.

Competencies​

  1. ​Create awareness of the academic, technical, and personal skills required in a particular job or profession.
    • Identify the education or training required and the skills needed for various occupations.
    • Participate in reflection activities that further career goals and interests.
    • Gain exposure to careers and jobs within a chosen profession.
    • Describe learning benefits gained by visiting local businesses and engaging with employers.
  2. Demonstrate appropriate professional appearance and behaviors as required in the workplace.
    • Demonstrate appropriate professional appearance as required in the workplace.
    • Develop personal responsibility characteristics regarding workplace situations involving workplace safety, discrimination, harassment, and personal ethics.
    • Practice honesty, punctuality, respect, courtesy, cooperative attitude, and behaviors of a team player.

Competencies Revised Date: 2020​