Connecticut Technical Education and Career System
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Work-Based Learning

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. WBL is offered at all CTECS schools as a way for students to gain real-world experience, work in teams, solve problems and meet employer expectations. Through partnerships with local companies, students gain hands-on career development experiences that will help them through the transition from school to work and give them an advantage in the competitive workforce.

Through a close relationship between the Connecticut Department of Labor and 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.

Learn More About
Work-Based Learning
at CTECS

Work-Based Learning
On the Job
with Dulin Collision Center

Work-Based Learning
On the Job
with Enhance a Colour

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. 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.

While school is in session, Juniors may be released no more than 14 school hours per week and no more than 25 school hours per nine (9) day cycle.  Seniors may be released no more than 21 school hours per week and no more than 38 school hours per nine (9) day cycle until the beginning of the second semester after which there is no restriction on hours.

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.

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 is interested in having a technical high school student work for them, they should contact Brent McCartney, CTECS WBL district coordinator, at Brent.McCartney@cttech.org or the WBL Coordinator at the school in which their business is closest to.

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)

The CTECS Job Board is a great resource for students and/or current graduates full of skilled-trade employment opportunities across Connecticut.

Visit this webpage to post a job. All positions are reviewed by CTECS staff prior to posting and will remain active for 90 days.

Please contact us here for any questions or requests to edit existing job listings.

Interested in hiring a CTECS student? 

The CTECS Job Board is a great resource to post skilled-trade employment opportunities across Connecticut for our current students and/or graduates.

Visit this webpage to post a job. All positions are reviewed by CTECS staff prior to posting and will remain active for 90 days.

Please contact us here for any questions or requests to edit existing job listings.

For more information or questions

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

School Contacts

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 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 Boothroyd, Stacy (Stacy.Boothroyd@cttech.org)
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