Mission

Our Mission

WECA is a New York State organization that promotes work-based learning programs for all students under the auspices of the State Education Department and the Career Development and Occupational Studies Framework. Our members comprise a wide range of school and business professionals who work collaboratively to engage students in relevant, "real world" learning opportunities ranging from career awareness to career exploration and career development.

Goals:

To unite all engaged in work-based learning programs and collectively share information and ideas for the promotion of these programs in New York State.
To serve as a liaison between our local organizations and the State Education Department for information relative to work-based learning programs in New York State.
To promote education and certification of teachers coordinating work-based learning programs throughout the state.
To aid in the development of new programs across the state.
To support and promote occupational programs, career majors, and other work-based learning programs.
To promote and support student leadership organizations.
To establish and maintain relationships with similar organizations in New York and other states.

Advantages:

Employers:

Reduce the cost and time of recruiting and training. Co-op students have some current job-related skills when they are placed. They will have a basic knowledge of language, procedures, and the technical routines of their majors.
Gain a good source of people power for filling permanent company positions.
Actively participate in the education of our youth for the betterment of all.
Gain information from the school / college about a student relative to attendance, attitude, academic performance, reliability, responsibility, etc.

Students:

Gain work experience in his / her career field and test his / her interests and abilities in that field.
Have the opportunity to develop work habits and attitudes necessary for job competence.
Make the connection between the school curriculum and the world of work.
Provide students with a continuous post-secondary educational opportunity enhanced by a co-op position.