DOWAGIAC — A group of Dowagiac Union High School students are closing out the school year better prepared for the workforce — because that is where they spent part of the school day this year.

A Work Based Learning program at Dowagiac Union High recently completed its first year to much success, said program organizers. The program places qualified students into a workplace, where they would work 10 to 15 hours per week at the chosen job and earn class credit. The students would also complete assignments for a class associated with the program that monitors the students’ progress in the workplace.

The goal of the program is to teach students about working within a real workplace and teach them job skills such as responsibility and communication, said Mike Williams, program coordinator and instructor at Dowagiac Union High School.

“The goal is to get kids ready for a potential career, to give them a little taste of what work is like,” he said. “The goal is not just for them to get a job and make some money. We want to phase them into a career based job, whatever they want to do.”

The business that participated in the WBL program this year include: McDonald’s, LADD, Dowagiac Federal Credit Union, Who Knew Consignment, Lee Memorial Hospital, Pizza Hut, Krook Container, Mennel Mill, the high school, Hale’s, Creative Foam, Zeke’s, Saylor’s Pizza, True’s Towing, Judd Lumber, Family Fare, Burger King and Indian Lake Hills Golf Course.

Williams put a lot of effort into ensuring that the program was successful, saying that he visited other schools that had similar programs to find out what worked for them and how the program could be adapted for Dowagiac students. He said the program benefits students, because they are held accountable by the class and have him to guide them through the employment process.

“These kids have learned a lot this year and have really grown,” he said. “They have learned attendance and communication. All those things are key in regard to employment. I don’t treat them as students, I treat them as employees, so they have learned a lot.”

The students who participated agree that they have learned from the program. MacKenzie Cross and Jon LaRock were named WBL Employees of the Year. Both students said they have gained confidence in their work and valuable work skills from the program.

“I know I worked pretty hard, and it feels good,” LaRock said.

“I really think this has been a fun, valuable experience,” Cross added. “I would recommend it to other students, so long as they are willing to work hard.”

Going forward, Williams said he wants the WBL program to continue to be successful. Additionally, he wants to get more businesses involved in the program and have more internships available to students.

“I really think this has been beneficial for students,” he said. “We are in need of more placements in any type of business. … I would love to get more students involved.”