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Work experience education (wee).

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281. The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Transfer: Transfers to CSU only

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competi tive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupati onaltraining through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains.Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competi tive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupati onaltraining through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains.Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information.

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competi tive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains.Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competi tive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Work Experience Education is a key element of a career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive collegecredit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competi tive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories.Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains.Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281. The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information.

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive collegecredit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance throughthe course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains.Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281.The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

Work Experience Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Work Experience Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Work Experience transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites. More details are available in the Work Experience Education Office, (760) 245-4271, ext. 2281. The office, located in the Academic Commons, is open Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 2:00-6:00 p.m., and by appointment. Please refer to the Work Experience Education section in this catalog for more information. CSU

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Victor Valley College 2023-2024 Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 catalog.

• Academic Calendar
• Academic Departments
• Areas of Study
• Associate Degrees for Transfer
• CA Center for Climate Change Education
• Class Schedules
• College & Career Prep
• Course Catalog
• Credit for Prior Learning
• Gainful Employment
• Online & Hybrid Learning
• Student Guide
• Teacher Pathways
• Westside Extension
• Career Connections Center
• Work Experience - Employers
• Work Experience - Faculty
• Work Experience - Students

Work Experience Education Program

Work Experience Education (WEE) provides a tremendous benefit to both students and employers. Students have an opportunity to explore their career path prior to graduation. Employers can preview talented students who are applying practical academic studies in their workplace.

Mission Statement

The Work Experience Education (WEE) Program is an important component of the education and training that students receive at West Los Angeles College. WEE courses help students apply their classroom-based learning in an actual work environment. These courses provide experiential learning activities to strengthen student learning and reinforce the student’s effective work habits, attitudes, and career awareness, thereby enhancing the student’s marketable skills.

The WEE Program adheres to the regulations for Work Experience Education outlined in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations and in the Los Angeles Community College District Work Experience Plan.

Are you currently working, volunteering or interning?

Would you like to receive training on valuable skills for today's job market.

Receive CSU transferable elective college credit units for the hours you are currently working, interning, or volunteering!

• Units begin at 0.5 to 4 units 
• Non-traditional course with flexible times
• Polish your employability skills with our built-in instruction that should develop career awareness, knowledge of industry culture, competencies and norms, and develop professional network. 
• The classes may help you fulfill the full-time requirement for Financial Aid or LA College Promise if you are short 0.5 - 4 units and enable you to get your maximum financial aid award funds and to be part of LA College Promise.
• Students can earn and repeat up to 14 college elective credit units during the semester. Click here to see more information and hour requirements.

If you do not have a job, you can enroll in our Work Ready Certification program and earn 0.5 unit and receive job training.

Hours worked prior to receiving add code will not be counted. Additionally, you MUST log in to Canvas at ilearn.laccd.edu to submit assignments and see instructor announcements.

Are you looking for motivated employees?

Are you interesting in mentoring students and training interns.

By participating in the Work Experience Program, employers can receive benefits such as:

• Create and maintain a relationship with West Los Angeles College.
• Close the gap between classroom experience and job skills by providing real work experience.
• Improve employer/employee communication through objective evaluation.
• Select from a pool of advanced students to assist in current projects and assignments.
• Cost-effective program for recruiting potential hires and reducing turnover.
• Opportunity to provide feedback to faculty on necessary skills for the industry to update curriculum.

Click here to see more information and submit an Intern Request Form.

What is Work Experience Education (WEE)?

It is called “Work Experience Education” because the program establishes a three-way relationship between the student, the college, and the employer. This structured relationship allows the student to create short-and long-range career goals and to recognize his/her progress by establishing three measurable learning objectives for the semester. Work Experience Education provides a practical learning model for students and helps them prepare for their future careers through the integration of on-the-job learning experiences and academic classroom lessons. By integrating both study and work, each area should become more relevant, interesting, and rewarding.

The total number of units that can be earned in the Work Experience Program is 16 (over 4 semesters). Work Experience can be taken for no more than four semesters. The number of credits earned is based on the total number of hours worked for the semester.

Work Ready Certification Program

The Exploratory Work Experience Education – Work-Ready Certification program (0.5 credit units) is designed to verify that students have the basic workplace skills that Los Angeles County businesses expect.

Holding a Work Readiness Certification will give the student a distinct advantage when applying for a job. Your skills will be tested and evaluated, and you will be awarded a certificate from the City of LA after completion of a career portfolio, which includes:

• Generic Job Application
• Mock Interview Feedback Form
• Student Linked-In Account Verification

To participate, submit the form at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/zCU4zEyU5u

Benefits for Students, Employers, College, and Community

Benefits for students.

• Program Available Spring, Summer, and Fall.
• Receive help in finding internship opportunities.
• Relates education to real world work experience through the achievement of workplace objectives and related classes.
• Transferable college units for work/intern experience.
• Teaches valuable job-search skills such as career assessment, resume writing and interviewing techniques.
• Career guidance in a realistic setting.
• Earn income while learning.
• Gain actual work experience while going to school.
• All learning takes place on-the-job and through the completion of career-related assignments and projects; there are no books and no classes.
• Performance is evaluated based on achievement of student learning outcomes and completion of assignments; there are no tests.
• Provides opportunities for job improvement.
• Increases potential to advance by improving work-based skills.
• Improves job opportunities after graduation by giving students valuable work experience and contact with potential future employers.
• Enhances classroom learning by integrating academic curriculum and real-world work experience.

Benefits for Employers

• Improves employer/employee communication through objective evaluation.
• Results in improved employee job skills and productivity.
• Assists with the development of employer/employee goals through learning objectives.
• Enhances employee motivation, thus reducing training costs.

Benefits for the College & Community

• Promotes job stability by improving employee job skills. Helps meet training needs of the community.
• Promotes cooperation between the college and community members. Increases faculty awareness of business/industry requirements.
• Encourages development of relevant programs.
• Provides faculty with fresh insights for classroom education needs through direct contact with business/industry community.
• The economy benefits from an increased number of skilled workers with real-world experience.

Andrea Rodriguez-Blanco Work Experience Coordinator Email:  @email Phone:  (310) 287-7215 Phone:  (310) 848-7400 We are available Online

Work Experience Education

Program description.

Work Experience Education (WEE), is an equity-based program aligned with MSJC's Mission, Vision, and Call to Action. The program is committed to removing institutional barriers, increasing diversity and inclusion, and providing supportive learning environments that promote student success. It is  designed to expand students’ knowledge, increase job readiness and marketable skills, build confidence, and strengthen work habits. 

Work Experience Education (WEE), formally known as Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE), is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively when their educational journey incorporates work experience. The WEE internship program is integrated into the student's educational pathway and allows students to earn course credits for paid or unpaid (voluntary) supervised work experience. Students apply knowledge gained in their courses to an actual work setting which helps them to gain career awareness, learn industry culture, competencies and norms, develop professional networks in their desired field to support career mobility, and achieve their educational and occupational goals.

Research shows that employers are more likely to hire employees who participate in college work-based learning programs. WEE courses are integrated into Career Education programs and designed to enhance the total development of our students while preparing  them for the job market. Through WEE, MSJC and employers collaborate to provide student-centered instruction and realistic employment experiences in business, industry, government and human services. To find out more about how to obtain an internship, please visit the MSJC Work Experience Education  page. 

Career Education Programs

• Administration of Justice  
• Allied Health   
• Audio Production
• Automotive Transportation Technology
• Aviation Science  
• Business Administration  
• Business /Office Administration  
• Computer Information Systems
• Culinary Arts
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Digital Media
• Digital Photography   
• Engineering Technology
• Fire Technology 
• Geospatial Information Science 
• Horticulture/Turf & Landscape Management
• Legal Studies
• Management/Supervision      
• Real Estate
• Teacher Education & Development Studies
• Theater Arts
• Water Technology     
• Wine Industry & Hospitality

Contact Information

Menifee Valley Campus  Phone: (951) 672-MSJC (6752) 1-800-452-3335 (951) 629-5352 [email protected] 

Students currently enrolled at MSJC may earn up to 14 semester credit hours of work experience education during one enrollment period.

Participating in the WEE program begins with completing Orientation. Other steps include:

STEP 1: Students must be currently enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College.

STEP 2:  Students could be working or have identified a job directly related to their educational pathway. Positions can be paid or unpaid (service-oriented, voluntary). 

STEP 3: Students should have completed at least one course in their major. Some disciplines require completion of all core courses to be eligible to participate. 

STEP 4:  Students are required to attend a WEE Orientation to receive information about the program and complete the required paperwork, including the WEE Application and Training Plan.  Orientations are held prior to the beginning of the semester.

Students need a minimum of 48 hours for each unit of credit.

WEE courses incorporate Career Development and New World of Work (NWoW) content to assist with resume building, increasing employability skills, career exploration, and the job search process.  Students participating in the program will be able to: 

• Apply critical thinking, research, analysis and resolution for work-related and personal objectives.
• Develop and apply personal skills, attitudes, and competencies in the workplace and within the course-related activities.
• Convert classroom instruction to the employment environment through the development and attainment of three (3) learning objectives.
• Write specific, measurable, achievement, relevant and time (S.M.A.R.T.) objectives to new or expanded workplace responsibilities
• Build self-identity and confidence as a worker through individual attention given by the WEE team, instructor, and employers.
• Demonstrate effective communication and technological awareness through the use of technologies (Internet, email, and telephone) in ways appropriate to the course.
• Demonstrate accountability for personal actions at work and as it relates to the course.
• Research resources for education and/or career options.

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2024-2025 Catalog

A PDF of the entire catalog.

Work Experience Education

If you work, volunteer, or are self-employed, you can earn up to 16 units of elective transfer credit while attending Merced College.

Students working in a field of study related to their major and/or career goal should enroll in a work experience course in the discipline related to their field of study. General work experience is available for students whose positions, either volunteer or paid, do not align with their majors and/or career goals. WORK 40 is the General Work Experience course.

  About the Program:

Work Experience Education is a process of education that combines work experience with regular college instruction as an integral part of the community college curriculum.

A student may enroll in Work Experience Education for a maximum of four semesters, and no more than 16 units may be earned at Merced College. Fifty-four hours of work experience equal one unit of college credit. Work Experience Education units are offered in many disciplines. The number of units the student enrolls in is determined by the total number of hours the student will work during the semester:

In order to participate in the Work Experience Education Course, a student must:

• have on-the-job experience in a paid or volunteer position;
• enroll in a Work Experience Education course;
• have the cooperation of the employer in including new or expanded responsibilities or learning opportunities on the job for which the student is enrolled in Work Experience Education.
• enroll in no more than 16 total work experience units at Merced College.

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Welcome to cawee.

Please note: this is a new website for CAWEE. If you have not created an account on this website, even if you were an existing member on the old website, your old username and password will not work. Please create a new username and password by clicking “register” in the navigation.

By registering on this website you will gain access to the only CAWEE-Approved Work Permit Training Program. Your personalized login for the training website is different than your log in for this website, and will be issued to you via email within 48 hours of completing your registration on cawee.org .

CAWEE trains educators

on how to issue work certification for students so they can get a job while in high school. Our professional development tool is an invaluable resource.

Exploratory

EWEE is a combination of job observations and related classroom instruction in WEE.

GWEE provides students with a combination of supervised employment in any occupational field and classroom instruction.

Career Technical

CTWEE requires a worksite placement or employment related to a Career Technical Education course of study.

The California Association of Work Experience Educators (CAWEE) leads the way in supporting work-based learning professionals and students in grades TK-14 while educating all stakeholders on child labor laws and work permit compliance. CAWEE will continue to be the leader in promoting high-quality career readiness programs.

Work Experience Educators can become a CAWEE member take our training program - now 100% online! Learn about issuing work permits to students and how to create the ultimate work experience curriculum. Active CAWEE members will have exclusive access to the one and only CAWEE-endorsed training program. Register today!

CAWEE Annual Conference

We will be holding our annual conference from October 7-10, 2021 at the Bakersfield Marriott and Convention Center.

from the CAWEE President.

February 10, 2023

California Association of Work Experience Educators

Jul 1, 2024

My name is Tim Riche’.   I am excited to take over as president of CAWEE.   This is my 25th year in education and I have taught everything from Video Production, English to being a Teacher on Special Assignment covering Work Experience.  The last 15 years covering Work Experience for Madera Unified have been some of the most rewarding experiences I have had in education.

CAWEE is changing leadership currently and we are looking for people that would like to engage the future of work related education.   If you share the vision and support our mission statement, please reach out to me on how you can become more involved.  We will utilize you in whatever capacity you are willing to help.

At the heart of our mission statement and our vision, it is about protecting children.  Our state is understanding the value of getting our students experience at greater levels in the workforce; it is more important than ever that we maintain levels of safety for our students. That people are reminded that rules are in place to protect the child and the business the student is going to. 

We must do everything to make sure our students are safe, on campus or off!

This year we are working on doing several mini conferences throughout the state and hopefully getting to put on some larger events next year.  We are also planning on updating our training and we hope to build an online place where people can ask questions.  Supporting our educators is what we are about.

Thanks so much for your interest and I look forward to meeting you. 

CAWEE President 2024-2025

Tim Riche' (Ree-shay)

Email: [email protected]

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Recent Posts

CAWEE Newsletter July 2023

Celebrate the dedication of Work-based learning teachers and students during the 2022-2023 school year! Get ready for the upcoming 2023-2024 CAWEE training, offering online Work Permit Training and informative forums for compliance and professional development.

Who can issue and sign work permits for minors?

August 2020

Many who have attended CAWEE's Work Permit Training may already know, but for those that have not, please be aware that classified personnel can NOT sign work permits. We are finding many school districts are out of compliance and illegally having personnel signing work …

Do you know the risks and liabilities of ed-code and labor-code? CAWEE is a professional organization that specializes in work experience, internships and the legalities of work internships.

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Welcome to Southwestern College

Work Experience Education

The Work Experience Education (WEE) program, coordinated through Student Employment Services, pairs students with internship opportunities related to their field of study. These pairings range from profit or non-profit agencies and expose students to real-world experiences by participating in daily workplace activities and learning how to navigate within workplace cultures. Students earn college credit while acquiring skill development in their field of study to make effective career choices and develop lifetime career choices as they enter the workforce. 

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Work Experience Education Office

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Related Websites  

Child labor laws 2013.

    http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/ChildLaborPamphlet2000.html

California Association of Work Experience Educators (CAWEE)

             http://www.cawee.org

U.S. Department of Labor (Occupational Outlook Handbook +)

             http://www.dol.gov

U.S. Department of Labor (Youth Rules)

             http://www.youthrules.dol.gov  

California Department of Education

             http://www.cde.ca.gov/

California Department of Education (Work Experience/Work Permit forms)

             https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/we/workpermitsforstudents.asp

U.S. Department of Labor - For Employers (Safety for Youth)

             https://www.youthrules.gov/for-employers/index.htm

UCLA – LOSH (Labor Occupational Safety & Health)

             http://losh.ucla.edu/

Young Workers- Youth Safety in the Workplace

              http://youngworkers.org/

Career Cruising (Assessment/Careers/Colleges - Only for LAUSDnet users)

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Work Experience

Career education programs.

The purpose of Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE or WOEX) is to help the student obtain on-the-job training that will make him/her a more efficient and valuable employee, while providing a practical education that supplements and enhances classroom theory. 

CWEE is an instructional program in which students earn college credit for what they learn while working at paid jobs or as volunteers (even if self-employed).  The work location is considered the job learning station or JLS.

Students, with the guidance of the job learning station supervisor and CWEE instructor, set their own Learning Objectives, which they fulfill during the semester.  Learning Objectives define  what  a student will learn on the job during the semester. "Learning" may involve acquiring new knowledge or skills, or improving what a student already knows or can do.

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Program Coordinator, Business & Entrepreneurship Claudette Shatto

(707) 339-8810

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• Program Coordinator, Hospitality Management Elena Sirignano
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• (707) 256-7125
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• (707) 256-7736
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Work Experience Education

Work experience education combines work experience with college instruction. This program is organized to provide students with new, expanded, and practical learning opportunities on the job so they may achieve the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for career success.

In addition to the general work experience education course ( WKEX 233 ), occupational work experience education courses are offered in all career education disciplines (see courses numbered 299 in career education disciplines).

Contact Information

Full-Time Faculty

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage.

WKEX 233: General Work Experience Education

Units: 0.5-14 Prerequisites: None Corequisite: Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid. Enrollment Limitation: Fourteen unit maximum in any combination of work experience education and/or internship studies per semester. Acceptable for Credit: CSU Laboratory 12.25 hours. Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is intended for students who are employed in a job not directly related to their major or career area of interest. It allows such students the opportunity to explore various work environments and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.

Campus Locations

1831 Mission Avenue Oceanside, CA 92058 760.795.8710 888.201.8480 View Map

1 Barnard Drive Oceanside, CA 92056 760.757.2121 888.201.8480 View Map

3333 Manchester Avenue Cardiff, CA 92007 760.944.4449 888.201.8480 View Map

2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, CA 92011 760.795.6820 888.201.8480 View Map

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MiraCosta 2024-2025 Catalog

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Career Education At SRJC

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WORK EXPERIENCE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 

Courses offered assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, career awareness and other professional skills. Internship courses are a bridge between classroom learning and work with the internship directly related to the students’ major. Work Experience students apply employability skills known as “soft skills” in a work environment. Soft skills include teamwork, effective communication, time management, adaptability, and problem solving. The skills learned in Work Experience courses help students develop skills that support career and college success. 

BENEFITS TO ENROLLING IN COURSES

• Improve your effectiveness in the workplace while exploring career paths of interest 
• Learn the skills that will support advancement in your career
• Connect your classroom learning to your career by applying the skills you have learned
• Apply goal-setting techniques to achieve greater success both professionally and personally
• Earn college credit toward a certificate, degree, or to transfer to any California State University (CSU)
• Meet full-time student status for financial or other programs
• Your job site is your classroom - no transportation needed to get to class
• Develop the 21st century job skills that employers seek: communication, customer service, professionalism/work ethic, time management, motivation/initiative, flexibility/adaptability, leadership, interpersonal skills, teamwork, technology

LOOKING FOR A JOB?

In order to be eligible for a work experience course, students must acquire a job, internship, or volunteer position (Community Engagement).

Students can find a open positions using the college's online job board: Handshake . For those who wish to take a Community Engagement course, feel free to also use our Volunteer Resource Guide .

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ENROLLING IN WORK EXPERIENCE

High school students are able to take work experience courses. Enrollment at SRJC is handled by your high school and the SRJC Admissions & Records (A&R) Department .

HIGH SCHOOL DUAL ENROLLMENT STUDENTS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This is a self-directed course. You will be assigned an instructor who will answer your questions and support your success, but it is up to you to fulfill the course requirements without prompting. Students' privacy is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Guidelines. Instructors and support staff are not permitted to answer inquiries from a student's parents. It is your responsibility to pay attention to course deadlines (outlined in the course handbook) as well as Admissions & Records deadlines (outlined in the Academic Calendar). This is a graded course. The grade you get in this course will become part of your college record.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS - COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• You must have a paid job with a properly licensed business
• Complete an application to enroll at SRJC Complete a Concurrent Enrollment Form

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Students must be employed by any licensed business prior to enrollment in the course.
• Enroll in a Work Experience course 
• Develop 3 on-the-job learning goals with your supervisor that focus on new job-related knowledge or skills.
• Meet with your assigned Work Experience instructor at least twice during the semester in person or with the exception is zoom
• Write a 3-page report about your experience in the course.
• Complete 1 work-related workshop or activity (offered online)
• Keep track of the total hours worked for reporting to your Assigned Instructor at your 2nd job site visit.

WORK PERMIT LAWS

Excerpts are taken from the State of California Child Labor Laws:

High school graduates or minors who have been awarded a certificate of proficiency are exempt from the permit requirements. [EC 49101; LC 1286]

A minor enrolled in a Work Experience Education program must obtain a work permit, and his or her employer must possess a permit to employ. The minor must be at least 16 years of age to be enrolled in a Work Experience Education program, with certain exceptions as specified in the Education Code. [EC 49113]

Obtaining Permits to Employ and Work

Prior to permitting the minor to work, employers must possess a valid Permit to Employ and Work. The minor’s school issues the permit. In typical circumstances, after an employer agrees to hire a minor, the minor then obtains from his or her school a brief form with the title “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit” (“Application”). [EC 49162] The application is completed by the minor and the employer and signed by the minor’s parent or guardian and the prospective supervisor. [EC 49163] After returning the completed and signed application to the school, school officials may then issue the Permit to Employ and Work. [EC 49110 – 49113 and 49130]

Minors Who Attend a Charter School

A minor attending a charter school* who wishes to work must obtain the standard Permit to Employ and Work, and the employer must possess such permit. Either the minor’s school or the authority that granted the school’s charter (normally the local school district) may issue the permit.

Work Hour Exceptions for Sixteen and Seventeen Year Olds

Sixteen and seventeen-year-olds enrolled in Work Experience or cooperative vocational education programs approved by the California Department of Education or those conducted by private schools may work on any day after 10 p.m., but not later than 12:30 a.m., provided that the parent or guardian and the Work Experience Education coordinator approve. Such employment may not be detrimental to the health, education, or welfare of the minor. Minors in these programs who work between the hours of 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. must be paid at least the adult minimum wage for those hours. [LC 1391.1] As the chart indicates, 16 and 17 year olds enrolled in a school approved Work Experience or cooperative vocational education program may work more than 4 hours on a school day, but never more than eight hours in any day. [EC 49116, LC 1391 and 1392].

WORK EXPERIENCE

Earn units for working!

INTERNSHIPS

Earn units for your internship!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Earn units for volunteering!

REPEATABILIY LIMIT:

Work Experience courses are "variable unit courses" and can be taken multiple times. The work experience and internship courses can be taken for a combined maximum of 16.00 units,  and the community engagement courses can be taken for a maximum of 3.00 units while attending SRJC.

TRY OUT WORK EXPERIENCE! LEARN! EARN! ACHIEVE!

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• Lockheed Martin CWEP

Lockheed Martin Work Experience Program

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The UCF Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program (CWEP) allows undergraduate and graduate students to gain real-world work skills and abilities relevant to their academic and career goals. CWEP is a unique, year-round paid opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences.

Who is Lockheed Martin?

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide. Lockheed Martin is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and more.

Program Logistics

Cwep is a 2 (consecutive) semester long program that is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. cweps are expected to work between 15-25 hours per week (monday-thursday). the cwep program is a paid opportunity for students in which pay is based off of class standing and the specific position assigned., *students will not earn academic credit for participating in the college work experience program as this is not a “for credit” program. students are not permitted to hold other paid positions on campus while participating in the program., what requirements are there for becoming a cwep, -be a u.s. person approved for work in the united states. u.s. person means: a u.s. citizen; or a permanent resident of the united states (“green card” holder); or an individual who is granted status as a “protected person” under 8 u.s.c. § 1324b(a)(3).

• Some positions require a Department of Defense (D.O.D.) secret clearance. Eligibility for a D.O.D. clearance includes holding US citizenship and a passing a background check

-Be enrolled as a full-time student at UCF for Fall and Spring Semesters. You do not need to be enrolled in classes during the summer to apply

• Example: Undergraduate = 12 credits and Graduate= 9 credits. (We do accept applications from Evening MBA students)

-GPA requirement: 2.8 overall

• Must maintain a 2.8+ throughout the duration of the program

-Work 15-25 hours per week

-commit to at least 2 consecutive semesters with the program (this criterion includes summers as consecutive semesters), -students must agree to background screening and urine drug screening. students must understand and agree that no person with a positive drug test will be assigned to work at lockheed martin facilities., -students must have completed one semester at ucf, sign me up how do i apply.

• Click on the following link:  APPLY TO CWEP
• Log in using your Handshake account using your Knights email/password.
• Scroll down to the “Jobs” section on the “CWEP – UCF/Lockheed Martin College Work Experience Program” employer page and view all the available job postings.
• Click here for a full list of available job titles and descriptions!
• Complete the job application(s) in the Careers at UCF system
• Once your application has been submitted, reviewed and processed you will be sent a confirmation email. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements will also be notified via email.
• Please allow up to 10 business days for a status on your application.

*All last semester seniors interested in being considered for the Lockheed Martin Work Experience Program must submit a copy of the letter of acceptance to a UCF Graduate Program. Application and resume will not be accepted without this document.*

Frequently asked questions, how long does it take to hear for an interview, the time varies and there is no set answer since the time frame is largely dependent on supply and demand of the cweps needed., what are some tips to increase my chances of receiving an interview/offer.

• Visit the UCF Career Services website to schedule an appointment to have your resume critiqued and reviewed prior to your application submission and/or interview.
• Schedule a mock interview/practice interview with a Career Counselor

Question not answered here?

Please contact us by email at  [email protected], follow us on instagram: @ucf_cwep, like us on facebook: ucfcwep, hear from cwep’s themselves:.

Being part of the Lockheed Martin/UCF College Work Experience Program is an amazing opportunity for students to get a “foot in the door” and learn for themselves what working in industry really means. I’ve been able to work in the Advanced Rotary Wing and Ground System during my time as a CWEP and I wouldn’t trade it for any other opportunity. This experience doesn’t just foster the career skills you need to succeed in your future by giving you real tasks that actually mean something and have very real deadlines, it also develops personal skills that you won’t get from sitting in a lecture.

 – Thomas Greco

The CWEP program that UCF offers to its students is an incredible opportunity to gain real-world professional experience while still being able to expand our educational lenses both in and out of the classroom. Upon being selected by a team lead at Lockheed, I was brought onto the Engineering Process Group (EPG) team based in the Research and Development facility. I have also learned new tools and practices of the trade as I begin my journey as a software engineer, and I owe my beginnings to my amazing bosses and everyone in the CWEP program.

– Nathaniel Lyra

How Accreditation Works for You

What is accreditation.

Accreditation is a system of evaluating a college or university to ensure it provides a quality education experience. There are two types of accreditation that colleges and universities frequently seek:

Institutional

HLC is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Institutional accreditors evaluate the college or university as a whole, including its educational offerings, governance, operations and finances. When a college or university achieves institutional accreditation, that means it meets broad organizational quality standards. The accreditation applies to all of its programs, delivery methods and locations.

Programmatic

Programmatic accreditors (also known as specialized or professional accreditors) evaluate a specific program at an institution. This type of accreditation is pursued by the institution to (1) enhance a program’s quality and reputation and/or (2) meet specific licensing or hiring requirements set by state laws or employers.

HLC’s Student Guide: Questions to Ask About Accreditation

It’s important to understand your college or university’s accreditation to be sure your education meets licensure, employer or other requirements. Learn what questions to ask about accreditation in HLC’s Student Guide.

How HLC’s Processes Work

HLC regularly evaluates our member institutions to ensure quality education for students. We conduct different types of reviews to evaluate certain aspects of an institution. In general, each review process includes the following steps.

Accreditation is based on a system of peer review . Our volunteer reviewers come from higher education institutions across the country. They evaluate an institution’s ability to meet HLC requirements. Peer reviewers make recommendations to HLC’s decision-making bodies based on their findings. The goal is to ensure that the institution is making continuous improvement that benefits students.

Decision Making

HLC’s decision-making bodies evaluate and take action on institutional reviews based on peer reviewer recommendations. You can learn more about HLC’s decision-making bodies and their work at Decision-Making Bodies and Processes .

Public Information

HLC publishes actions taken by decision-making bodies and staff in our Directory of Institutions and at Accreditation Actions . For certain types of actions, HLC publishes Public Disclosure Notices that describe the action taken, its impact on students, and any next steps in the process, if applicable.

Student Involvement

Student voices and participation are vital to the work we do — and students are encouraged to be involved in the accreditation process.

Campus Visits

Students may be invited by their institution to attend and speak on issues during an on-site visit by HLC peer reviewers.

Student Opinion Survey

Prior to an institution’s comprehensive evaluation, a survey is sent to its entire student body so that students can share their opinions with the review team.

Students may submit comments about an institution at any time. The comments will be considered during the institution’s next comprehensive evaluation.

Students may file a complaint whenever there are concerns regarding an institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

About accreditation, how is accreditation earned.

Accreditors develop their own standards, or criteria for accreditation, and regularly conduct evaluations to assess whether those criteria are being met. Institutions and/or programs that meet an accreditor’s criteria may become “accredited” after a process of evaluation called “candidacy.”

Why is accreditation important?

Accreditation provides current and potential students assurance that they are receiving a quality education which will be recognized as such by potential employers or licensing boards as well as by other colleges or universities in case of student transfers or pursuit of a higher degree. Also, employer-paid tuition reimbursement programs often require that employee participants enroll in accredited institutions.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes accreditation as a marker to allow the institution to disperse federal (Title IV) student financial aid.

What is the difference between HLC and other accreditors?

There are institutional accrediting agencies, such as HLC, that look at the college or university as a whole. And there are programmatic or specialized accrediting agencies that focus only on specific academic programs. Colleges and universities can have multiple accreditations. The U.S. Department of Education has a list of recognized accrediting agencies .

Is HLC a regional or a national accreditor?

For many years, HLC was recognized as a regional accreditor by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). However, in 2020 the USDE removed the distinction between regional and national accreditors, and now categorizes both types of agencies as institutional accreditors. The USDE also removed the limitation on regional accreditors’ geographic scope. As a result, HLC today is recognized as an institutional accreditor with authority to accredit colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Is HLC part of the U.S. Department of Education?

HLC is a private not-for-profit company that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accrediting agency. Higher education is overseen by the “Triad,” which is made up of an accrediting body such as HLC, a state’s higher education regulatory agency and the U.S. Department of Education, each with a distinct role in higher education oversight.

For Students

How do i know if my college or university is accredited.

The HLC website provides a search tool to find institutions accredited by HLC , including formerly accredited or closed colleges and universities. An additional institutional directory tool, especially if the accrediting agency is unknown, can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website .

How can I provide verification of my institution’s HLC accreditation to an employer or other agency?

HLC can provide an official letter to verify past or current accreditation for any HLC member college or university. Request a letter by contacting [email protected] .

Is my degree accredited if I graduated while my college was a candidate with HLC?

No. During the candidacy stage, a college or university is not accredited. The institution has to demonstrate through its candidacy period that it meets HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Then the institution may become accredited.

Can my degree be retroactively accredited if my school later attains HLC accreditation?

HLC policy does not allow for retroactive accreditation of a college or university.

If my college closes or loses accreditation at some point after I graduate, will my degree also stop being recognized as accredited?

A course completed, or a degree earned, from an accredited institution remains accredited regardless of what happens to the institution at a later date. HLC’s Directory of Institutions includes all colleges and universities that have held status with HLC, so past accreditation dates can be verified.

What do I do if my college is closed and I need transcripts? Will HLC have my transcripts?

HLC does not handle or keep any college transcripts. However, a college’s records, including transcripts, are generally kept and maintained after a closure. State agencies handling higher education matters are generally the best place to go when seeking information on closed schools and their records.

Are an institution’s online programs accredited?

An institution’s accreditation will generally encompass all methods of delivery, though approval is sometimes needed before an institution can offer distance education.

Will my credits or degree transfer from an HLC-accredited institution?

Each institution determines its own policies and procedures for accepting transfer credits. HLC expects institutions to have clear policies on transfer of credit. Questions about the transferability of credits should be directed to the institution that the student is interested in attending.

Will I be able to transfer to another college or attain a degree at another institution if my university is placed on sanction by its accrediting agency?

A college or university that is on sanction is still accredited. In most cases, other colleges and universities will continue to accept the institution’s credits in transfer or for admission to a degree program while it is on a sanction. However, all colleges and universities define their own transfer and admission policies. So, students interested in pursuing another degree or transferring should contact the college or university they plan to attend so that they are knowledgeable about their admission and transfer policies.

How does the institution that I want to attend rank? What is its reputation?

The Higher Learning Commission does not rank or categorize schools. HLC evaluates an entire educational institution in terms of its mission and our Criteria for Accreditation. Besides assessing formal educational activities, it evaluates such things as governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and relationships with internal and external constituencies.

Does HLC have requirements for faculty teaching at colleges and universities? What are the requirements for dual-credit teaching?

Institutions set their own rules regarding faculty qualifications. However, HLC does have guidelines regarding faculty-teaching requirements . These guidelines apply to all faculty members whose primary responsibility is teaching, including part-time, adjunct, dual credit, temporary and/or non-tenure-track faculty.

HLC expects dual-credit courses to offer college-level work. While it is up to the institution itself to determine qualifications for dual-credit teaching, HLC provides guidelines regarding dual credit courses and programs .

Will I be able to get my professional license or sit for my certifying board exams?

Questions regarding licensure should be directed to the agency or state that would be granting a professional license.

Can you help me find a college, university or degree program to enroll in?

HLC is not able to provide recommendations to students. A directory of HLC’s member institutions is available.

The U.S. Department of Education publishes a College Scorecard , which allows students to search and compare colleges.

Related Resources

• A Student Guide to Higher Education
• Directory of Institutions
• Resources for Students
• The Accreditation Relationship
• HLC Glossary

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