Work-Based Learning Instructor

The Work-Based Learning Instructor plays a central role in regional workforce development and economic growth by creating, coordinating, and sustaining high-quality work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and component district students. This position serves as a key connector among ONC BOCES CTE programs, industry advisory committees, component school districts, regional Chambers of Commerce, higher education partners, and local employers.

Through strategic partnerships and intentional program design, the Work-Based Learning Instructor ensures that students gain industry-specific skills, professional competencies, and meaningful exposure to career pathways that strengthen the broader regional economic ecosystem. The instructor is a certified teacher who oversees WBL programming, supports students and industry collaborators, and represents ONC BOCES in regional workforce initiatives.

Reports to: Director of Student Services

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following list is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty.

Program Development, Coordination, and Workforce Pipelines

Develop, implement, and continuously improve work-based learning programs aligned with NYSED requirements, CTE curriculum standards, and industry expectations.

Create and sustain internship, job-shadowing, and pipeline opportunities for CTE and component district students as foundational elements of regional workforce development.

Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions to secure high-quality WBL placements.

Coordinate job shadowing, internships, cooperative education, and pre-apprenticeship experiences that prepare students for employment and post-secondary opportunities.

Arrange transportation, supervision, and logistics for all WBL placements and job-shadowing experiences.

Provide students with orientation and prerequisite skills training prior to internship or job-shadowing participation.

Serve as a liaison between CTE programs and industry partners to ensure alignment between classroom instruction and workforce needs.

Student Support, Career Readiness, and Employability Skills

Provide direct instruction and guidance to students on employability skills, workplace expectations, and career development.

Support students in developing résumés, cover letters, portfolios, and interview skills.

Guide students through college searches, career investigations, and application processes in collaboration with college counselors.

Oversee the College & Career Zones at both student centers, including scheduling student participation in college exploration, career research, and employability skill-building activities.

Foster opportunities for students to access job-shadowing experiences and connect with industry mentors.

Participate in planning and executing College Days, Career Fairs, and Signing Day events at each CTE center.

Compliance, Documentation, and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of student participation, hours, evaluations, and required documentation for all WBL activities.

Keep detailed records of all students attending work-based placements and internships.

Report WBL data to building principals and the Director of Student Services.

Assist teachers in entering WBL/CDOS hours into SchoolTool and train new teachers on WBL hour types and data entry procedures.

Create, maintain, and organize a tracking system to ensure all WBL sites are reviewed and approved annually, including tracking the number of sites, learning opportunities, students served, and jobs offered as a result of WBL experiences.

Ensure compliance with NYSED WBL guidelines, labor laws, safety regulations, and ONC BOCES policies.

Support CTE teachers with re-approvals of CTE programs.

Partnership, Community Engagement, and Regional Workforce Development

Participate in regional workforce development initiatives, economic development meetings, and advisory committee activities.

Plan and organize CTE industry advisory committee meetings.

Establish and sustain articulation agreements with colleges; disseminate information to component school counselors, students, and families; and facilitate student connections with college counselors.

Implement robust career fairs and educational forums in collaboration with Otsego and Delaware counties.

Collaborate with building principals to coordinate scholarship opportunities, including supporting the Clark Foundation scholarship application and interview process.

Provide highlights of workforce-development activities for public relations and community engagement.

Represent ONC BOCES as an active partner in regional economic growth efforts, including participation in regional Chambers of Commerce.

Professional Responsibilities

Maintain visibility and positive engagement with students by being present in hallways, classrooms, and common areas.

Communicate clearly and professionally in oral, written, and electronic formats.

Collaborate effectively with colleagues, administrators, students, and families.

Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and diplomacy in all interactions.

Participate in professional development related to WBL, CTE, workforce trends, and instructional best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

Valid NYS teacher certification with appropriate Work-Based Learning extension(s) or eligibility to obtain required WBL certification(s) or meet eligibility requirements for Employment and Training Coordinator Civil Service title.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience coordinating work-based learning programs or partnerships in a CTE setting.

Background in career development, workforce development, or industry engagement.

Experience working with rural communities and regional economic development partners.

Familiarity with CTE program structures, advisory committees, and industry certification pathways.

Knowledge of NYSED work-based learning guidelines, labor laws, and program requirements.

Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Commitment to student success, career readiness, and equitable access to workforce opportunities.