Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a part of the CTECS Student Workforce. WBL allows a student to work for an employer during their trade instructional time. Students not only receive credit toward their career technology, but also get paid. Available at all CTECS schools, WBL fosters workforce readiness skills, such as punctuality, preparedness, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, facilitating a smooth transition from school to work. 

Through legislation passed through the Connecticut Department of Labor, CTECS students 16 and older are permitted to work in all trades, including high-hazard trades. Each school has a dedicated WBL Coordinator to promote and provide support for student and industry partners throughout the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A student must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in WBL. These include, but are not limited to, being at least 16 years of age, a junior or senior, and in good standing in academics and trades. A student can identify WBL employment opportunities in a variety of ways – students may reach out to local employers on their own, CTECS may have opportunities through their industry partners, or employers may contact the school throughout the year noting placement openings. Students may work with their instructor to help identify opportunities. Once a WBL employer is identified, the student will work with the WBL Coordinator to complete an application. While working, students will be responsible for completing a weekly report of work and submitting performance evaluations.

Work Based Learning (WBL) may be provided to any student who has completed their sophomore year and is a minimum of 16 years of age. The student must have and maintain an overall marking period grade average of 70 or above, with no failures, and a minimum grade of 70 or above in their trade area. The student must demonstrate trade proficiency by having grades of acceptable or better in learning areas in which he/she has been instructed based on performance criteria established in the curriculum. The student must be in compliance with the school attendance and discipline policies.

View a full list of our trade programs and locations.

Yes, through legislation created in partnership between the Department of Labor and the Department of Education, students can participate in WBL as early as 16 years of age, even in occupations labeled hazardous, such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive. Read the full legislation.

During the trade cycle, eligible students may have up to the following school release hours:

Semester 1

11th Graders – 14 hours per week during the trade cycle
12th Graders – 21 hours per week during the trade cycle

Semester 2

11th Graders – 28 hours per week during the trade cycle, as long as trade theory and trade related electives are being met.
12th Graders – no restriction on hours as long as shop theory, trade related electives, and graduation requirements are being met.

A student can find WBL employment opportunities in a variety of ways. Students may reach out to local employers on their own, the technical high school may have a list of employers looking for WBL students, or employers may contact the school throughout the year looking for employees. Students are encouraged to work with their trade-area Department Head or school’s WBL Coordinator on securing employment.

No, a student may not drive company vehicles unless they are 18 years of age.

If a student would like to participate in WBL they should connect with their WBL Coordinator. They will assist the student in completing the application and working with the employer to ensure all of the proper documents are in place.

If an employer wants to hire a technical high school student, they should reach out to the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator at the school nearest to their business. The WBL Coordinator and the trade instructor will handle the necessary paperwork, verify the student’s eligibility, and ensure the work aligns with the curriculum. The employer needs to provide a certificate of insurance and the name of the employee who will mentor the student for a background check. After these steps are completed, a work schedule that fits with the school cycles will be created.

View a list of CTECS schools and locations.

School Location WBL Coordinator
A.I. Prince THS Hartford Wilder Zandonella  (Wilder.Zandonella@cttech.org)
Bristol TEC Bristol Christopher Heun (Christopher.Heun@cttech.org)
Bullard-Havens THS Bridgeport Sandeep Tibrewal (Sandeep.Tibrewal@cttech.org)
E.C. Goodwin THS New Britain Elizabeth Feldman (Elizabeth.Feldman@cttech.org)
Eli Whitney THS Hamden Chris LeSieur (Chris.LeSieur@cttech.org)
Ella T. Grasso THS Groton Jonathan Grossman (Jonathan.Grossman@cttech.org)
Emmett O’Brien THS Ansonia Patrick Kozloski (Patrick.Kozloski@cttech.org)
H.C. Wilcox THS Meriden Cristina Stisser (Cristina.Stisser@cttech.org)
Harvard H. Ellis THS Danielson Kimberly Pascone (Kimberly.Pascone@cttech.org)
Henry Abbott THS Danbury Jonathan Nadeau (Jonathan.Nadeau@cttech.org)
Howell Cheney THS Manchester Jousette Caraballo (Jousette.Caraballo@cttech.org)
J.M. Wright THS Stamford Justin Cosell (justin.cosell@cttech.org)
Norwich THS Norwich Mike Garcia (Michael.Garcia@cttech.org)
Oliver Wolcott THS Torrington Cheryl Capatani (Cheryl.Capatani@cttech.org)
Platt THS Milford Colleen George (Colleen.George@cttech.org)
Vinal THS Middletown Nick Ogorzalek (Nicholas.Ogorzalek@cttech.org)
W.F. Kaynor THS Waterbury Kimberly Matthews (Kimberly.Matthews@cttech.org)
Windham THS Windham Boothroyd, Stacy (Stacy.Boothroyd@cttech.org)

We encourage employers to register with CTECS’ Career Center. The Career Center helps employers find, access and hire Connecticut technical high schools’ best talent, while increasing industry exposure and career opportunities for students and graduates. As a registered employer you’ll get:

> Streamlined communication and recruitment processes between employers and CTECS’ 20 locations.
> A new, enhanced job board that is searchable by trade and location, ensuring your postings reach the right candidates.
> Access to a pool of talented students and grads actively looking for jobs.
> Exclusive invites to Program Advisory Committee meetings, career fairs, and other events. You can even request virtual or in-person hiring events.
> Increased brand visibility

Learn more and register today.

Visit the Connecticut Department of Labor website and follow the instructions to sign up to be a sponsor. 

School Contacts

School Location WBL Coordinator
A.I. Prince THS Hartford Wilder Bird  (Wilder.Bird@cttech.org)
Bristol TEC Bristol Christopher Heun (Christopher.Heun@cttech.org) 
Bullard-Havens THS Bridgeport Sandeep Tibrewal (Sandeep.Tibrewal@cttech.org) 
E.C. Goodwin THS New Britain Elizabeth Feldman (Elizabeth.Feldman@cttech.org) 
Eli Whitney THS Hamden Chris LeSieur (Chris.LeSieur@cttech.org) 
Ella T. Grasso THS Groton Jonathan Grossman (Jonathan.Grossman@cttech.org) 
Emmett O’Brien THS  Ansonia Patrick Kozloski (Patrick.Kozloski@cttech.org) 
H.C. Wilcox THS  Meriden Cristina Stisser (Cristina.Stisser@cttech.org) 
Harvard H. Ellis THS  Danielson Kimberly Pascone (Kimberly.Pascone@cttech.org) 
Henry Abbott THS  Danbury Jonathan Nadeau (Jonathan.Nadeau@cttech.org) 
Howell Cheney THS  Manchester Jousette Caraballo (Jousette.Caraballo@cttech.org) 
J.M. Wright THS  Stamford Justin Cosell (justin.cosell@cttech.org) 
Norwich THS  Norwich Mike Garcia (Michael.Garcia@cttech.org) 
Oliver Wolcott THS  Torrington Cheryl Capitani (Cheryl.Capitani@cttech.org) 
Platt THS  Milford Colleen George (Colleen.George@cttech.org) 
Vinal THS  Middletown Nick Ogorzalek (Nicholas.Ogorzalek@cttech.org) 
W.F. Kaynor THS  Waterbury Kimberly Matthews (Kimberly.Matthews@cttech.org) 
Windham THS  Windham Stacy Boothroyd (Stacy.Boothroyd@cttech.org)

For more information or questions

Contact Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Brent McCartney, at Brent.McCartney@cttech.org or 860-372-9144.