THOMASVILLE – Thomas County Central High School’s Work-Based Experiential Learning (WBL) program has grown significantly over the past few years, and Brandi Miranda has overseen this impressive growth since taking on the role of WBL coordinator in 2018. What began with about 70 students has now more than doubled, with more than 140 students participating this year.
“Each year, the program continues to expand not only in the number of students but also in the number of companies that partner with WBL,” Miranda said. “We have enhanced the curriculum to better meet industry needs, introduced more diverse job opportunities, and strengthened our relationships with local companies to provide students with more customized instruction and hands-on experience.”
A major addition to the program is the hiring of a new career education instructor with a focus on agricultural students, an initiative that aligns with the school’s broader approach to career education.
“We're taking a closer look at career pathways and getting students to think about future careers and not just short-term jobs,” said CTAE Director Dr. Beth Adams. “This approach has led us to seek out new partners in fields where high school students aren't typically employed, particularly manufacturing.”
Adams highlighted a recent collaboration with Checkmate Industries to establish an apprenticeship program, recruiting students from welding and automotive programs for the first cohort.
“Based on early feedback from both employers and students, we believe this will lead to a long-term, successful partnership,” she added.
The success of TCCHS' WBL program is largely due to the school's intensive marketing efforts and the power of word of mouth. Miranda emphasized that sharing success stories has helped generate buzz and attract more students and businesses to the program.
The local business community has been a major contributor to the program's growth: companies hire and mentor students, providing valuable real-world experience and helping students apply their employability skills in the professional world.
Local business owner and WBL Advisory Board member Katie Chastain praised the program, saying, “We often hear that young people these days don't want to work, but when you look at the number of high school students who have actually gotten jobs through WBL, it shows they just needed the opportunity. For many students, this may be the most important learning experience of their high school career.”
Chastain also noted the importance of the program to the local economy, emphasizing how it helps students gain basic job skills that are crucial for their future careers.
Adams praised Miranda for his efforts in growing the program, especially in promoting WBL in educational settings making the opportunity available to more students and teachers.
Several new initiatives have played a key role in the success of the program, including sharing best practices, strengthening collaboration with local industries, and partnering with Southern Regional Technical College. These initiatives have further increased the visibility and effectiveness of the program.
Participating in the WBL program equips students with essential employability skills, known at TCCHS as the “Buzz Code.” These skills are extremely useful whether students choose to attend college or enter the workforce. Additionally, through hands-on experience, students can explore and confirm their career interests before making a long-term commitment.
Currently, TCCHS’s WBL program boasts over 200 business partners. In the 2023-2024 school year, students have earned more than $85,000 in wages and worked more than 35,000 hours.
Looking to the future, Miranda has ambitious goals for the WBL program.
“We hope to host a WBL breakfast to thank local businesses and showcase the success of our students,” she said, “and to grow the program by bringing in more industry partners and providing even more opportunities for students to gain valuable experience and make connections within the community.”
While there are no immediate plans to expand the program, Adams said he hopes to find more job placements in fields such as health care and enhance other career exploration opportunities such as job shadow days.
“It's important to show students that Thomas County is a great place to live and work and that they understand the value of giving back to their community,” she said.
The success of the WBL program is deeply rooted in local support and a positive community attitude.
“The unwavering support from members of our community not only provides us with resources, but also instills a sense of belonging and purpose in our students,” Miranda concluded.
TCCHS’s commitment to networking within the community has also contributed greatly to the program’s success: by investing time in building relationships with local organizations, businesses and individuals, the school has expanded opportunities for students through internships, guest speakers and community service projects.