The JET Program Package is a newly developed resource designed to share tips and ideas for starting a new work-based learning program and to provide existing work-based learning programs with practical tools to enhance intentionality, evaluation methods,

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JET Program Package Practical Tools and
Resources for Work-Based Learning Programs
Kim Catchpole, Nate Arnett, and Ashley Krogel ?
Ohio State University Extension Contact
catchpole.2_at_osu.edu or www.metroparks.org/ac  
The JET Program Package is a newly developed
resource designed to share tips and ideas for
starting a new work-based learning program and to
provide existing work-based learning programs
with practical tools to enhance intentionality,
evaluation methods, and processes and procedures.
JET (Job Experience and Training) The Job
Experience Training (JET) Program is a workforce
preparation program created and maintained by
resources from OSU Extension, Five Rivers
MetroParks, and 4-H Youth Development. JET
focuses on building important life and career
related skills through hands-on work experiences
with Adventure Central and other local MetroParks
facilities. Approximately 22 teens are selected
each year to receive training and participate in
an eight-week work experience including
reflection and evaluation opportunities.
Inside the JET Program Package
Ohio 4-H Workforce Prep Model

• The Ohio 4-H workforce preparation initiative has
  been created to strengthen and expand programs
  that are developing job skills in youth. In an
  effort to intentionally connect young people to
  work experiences and record impacts, the
  following components are used

• Description an introduction to work based
  learning and the JET program
• Program timeline duties, opportunities, and
  events that take place through a complete cycle
  of the JET program.
• Training and workshop descriptions Key
  objectives and content are included for all
  workshops and trainings.

• Career Awareness and Exploration From an early
  age, youth participate in career-focused
  activities with guided reflection.
• Skill Development Building on a foundation of
  life skills development, youth build applied
  skills needed for the world of work such as team
  work, communication, and preparing a resume.
• Work-Based Learning Teens are involved in
  practical opportunities that integrate work and
  learning experiences. These are real life
  experiences that are structured, supervised, and
  evaluated.
• Post Secondary Internships Adults apply
  knowledge and experiences in a career field
  through formal academic or technical training
  combined with professional work experience in an
  internship setting.
• Adult Development and Leadership Adults as
  lifelong learners improve their own skills for
  the workplace and learn to better support youth
  in workforce preparation (as volunteers, parents,
  educators, mentors, and parents).

• Sample application a copy of the teen-friendly
  JET application.
• Interview rubric and questions used for scoring
  interviewees and choosing ideal placements.
• Evaluation templates a standardized evaluation
  that should be ideal for any work based learning
  program.

• JET Goals
• To develop workplace skills and competencies
  through practical work experiences in park
  related careers
• To provide a meaningful service to the public

Value of the JET Program
How to use the JET Program Package
The JET Program Package is designed to be a model
for new work-based learning programs or to be
used as a resource for existing programs. Here
are some ideas on how to use this resource to
enhance your existing program.

• The JET program was intentionally designed to
  incorporate hands-on learning experiences, guided
  reflection, and exposure to a variety of careers.
• The hands-on work experiences provide real world
  situations and skill building the teens will need
  as they pursue jobs in the future. Teens are
  treated as official team members for eight weeks
  and must learn to handle a variety of different
  situations while receiving support from caring
  adults.
• Meetings for all JET teens are incorporated into
  the summer schedule as a way to connect and
  reflect. Teens get to see and talk to other
  students in the program. This is an opportunity
  for them to share stories, ask for advice, and
  give feedback to their peers.
• The opportunity to explore a variety of careers
  within the framework of parks and recreation
  encourages teens to look for these types of jobs
  in the future. The JET program shows the teens
  that not all park related jobs involve pulling
  weeds and mowing grass. We have opportunities
  for teens to work in administrative positions, be
  involved with recreation related duties, assist
  with educational programs, and interact with
  public visitors in a variety of ways.

JET Indicators of Success

• Streamline application and interview processes
  using our templates and scheduling model
• Increase intentionality of delivering a program
  with 21st century skills as an outcome
• Evaluate your program effectively using the JET
  performance appraisal
• Enhance participant learning using our reflection
  journal
• Update training and workshop content by including
  JET resources

• In 2008 JET participants received 4 of 4 top
  honors at the Ohio State Fair 4-H Workforce Prep
  Day contest
• An article highlighting the JET program was
  published in the Journal of Youth Development
  (Ferrari, Arnett, Cochran, 2008). It can be
  accessed at http//www.nae4ha.org/directory/jtd
• In 2009 JET was named a National 4-H Program of
  Distinction. It can be accessed at
  http//www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/pod.com