Workforce Information

Decatur Central High School provides a comprehensive suite of Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences designed to meet the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) graduation pathway and Indiana College and Career Readiness requirements. These programs allow students to apply academic knowledge and technical skills in authentic workplace settings, supporting both the Graduation Pathways and Employability Skills Standards.

Students at DCHS can engage in:

• Career Exploration and Preparation: Early experiences such as job shadowing, career fairs, and industry guest speakers help students identify career interests aligned to their pathway.
   
• Internships and Practicums: Juniors and seniors participate in supervised internships, school-based enterprises, or simulated work experiences gaining hands-on experience in sectors such as health sciences, business, engineering, information technology, and education. These experiences emphasize employability skills, technical proficiency, and professional networking.
   
• Cooperative Education and Capstone Courses: Students in advanced CTE pathways may enroll in Co-Op or Capstone WBL courses, combining classroom instruction with paid or unpaid on-site work experience.
   
• Youth Apprenticeships and Industry Partnerships: Through collaborations with local employers, chambers of commerce, and higher education institutions, DCHS provides access to apprenticeship-style placements and dual credit opportunities.
   
• Employability Skills Portfolio: All participants develop an employability portfolio, including reflections, supervisor evaluations, and evidence of competencies as defined by IDOE’s Employability Skills Standards.
   

These WBL programs are supervised by credentialed educators, include documented learning objectives, and align with IDOE’s Work-Based Learning Guidelines, ensuring students meet state expectations for graduation and career readiness.