WORK-BASED LEARNING

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities at BCHS align with the manual provided by the Kentucky Department of Education. For questions specifically related to eligibility for Internships, Co-op's, Apprenticeships, or Experience-based work, please contact the grade-level guidance counselor or a CTE instructor or administrators. All BCHS WBL documents are printable below.

INTERNSHIP

Internships provide students with hands-on, on-the-job training with a local employer. These experiences can be short-term or long-term and may be paid or unpaid. A student must have three courses completed in the appropriate pathway to qualify for an Internship. Internships must be included on students schedules and arranged through the Guidance Counselor, CTE instructor, and CTE department.

Co-OP

Cooperative Education offers students a valuable, paid, long-term learning experience that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Through partnerships with local businesses and industries, students gain hands-on experience in their chosen career fields while developing essential workplace skills that prepare them for future success. A student must have four courses completed in the appropriate pathway to qualify for an Co-op placement. Co-op's must be included on students schedules and arranged through the Guidance Counselor, CTE instructor, and CTE department.

APPRENTICESHIP

Barren County High School offers students the opportunity to participate in Registered Apprenticeships through the Early Childhood Education pathway. Apprenticeships are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor. In Kentucky, the youth/pre-apprenticeship pathway is known as Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK), allowing students to gain valuable industry experience while preparing for high-demand careers. A student must have three courses completed in a pathway, and the apprenticeship must be included on students schedules and arranged through the Guidance Counselor, CTE instructor, and CTE department.

EXPERIENCE-BASED WORK

Experience-based work opportunities, also known as Service Learning, are provided on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on students' course schedules. These opportunities are typically reserved for students that do not have a typical class schedule for reasons such as dual-credit offerings and/or WKU Early College.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

For students with an existing business registered with the KY Secretary of State, "Entrepreneurship" provides them opportunity for focussed exploration to gain a deeper understanding of economic principles and provides hands-on experience in starting and managing a business. A student must have four courses completed in the appropriate pathway to qualify for an Entrepreneurship placement.

WBL Documents

WBL DOCUMENTS

FAQ: START HERE

CO-OP & INTERNSHIP STUDENT PROCESS

CO-OP & INTERNSHIP APPLICATION & AGREEMENT

EXPERIENCE-BASED WORK APPLICATION & AGREEMENT

(not co-op or internship)

ADMINISTRATIVE EXEMPTION FORM

25-26 EVALUATION FORM LINKS

EMPLOYER BACKGROUND CHECKS

KDE WBL Website & Resources

COMMUNICATION WAIVER

BONUS Pay

New in 2025-2026! Any student that successfully completes a paid internship or co-op is eligible for 'bonus' pay from the South Central Workforce Development Board and "Ready. Set. Hire." In oder for students to be eligible for the bonus, they must complete this form prior to starting placement. For more information, please see Mr. Browning, CTE Coordinator.