WBL: Job Shadowing
WBL = Work-Based Learning
Job shadowing embeds students and gives them an up-close look at a particular occupation, company, industry, and career path. The designed activities:
- Promote exploration of a field of interest;
- Help students make the connection between school and the workplace; and
- Inform their career planning.
Structure
Through shadowing, students can practice and demonstrate key work-readiness skills such as communication and appropriate workplace behavior. The activities:
- Allow students to listen, receive information, and ask questions.
- Enable students to begin identifying areas of career interest;
- Build knowledge about the education and training needed for a particular job, career path, and entry into the industry.
Resources
Business: Interest form
Teacher/Student: Approval to miss class
Format & Outcomes
Three formats deliver unique experiences as activities are organized through:
- Classroom preparation, including research on the occupation, its industry and the participating company;
- Employer orientation and support; and
- Reflection on the experience orally and in writing.
Tools and Materials
Job shadowing organizers and participants can use the following resources to plan, implement, and review.
Checklists
Coordinator Job Shadowing Checklist
Student Job Shadowing Checklist
Tip and Fact Sheets
Teacher Job Shadowing Tip Sheet
Employer Job Shadowing Tip Sheet
Employer Job Shadowing Fact Sheet
Implementation Tools
Job Shadowing Research Activity
Job Shadowing Student Reflection
Work-Based Learning Activity Evaluation (for teacher, coordinator, or host)