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Work Experience Education (WEE) is an academic program offering students the opportunity to earn units of credit while learning on-the-job, whether paid or unpaid. WEE is a student-centered, educational value-added academic course designed with specific, measurable learning outcomes pre-determined by student, employer, and the WEE faculty.

Student Information
Employer Information

Work Experience Education (WEE) Contact

949-367-8304Copy Phone Number
Contact

Martha Payán-Hernández
Director, Economic & Workforce Development 
949-367-8604

Diana Baltazar 
Senior Administrative Assistant
949-367-8301

Gain work experience and earn transferable college credit.

Student Benefits Include:

  • Earn academic credit and gain work experience in your major or career pathway.
  • Build your resume and demonstrate hands-on experience.
  • Learn valuable skills required for the workforce.
  • Develop a professional network and make industry connections.
  • Clarify career goals.
  • Increase opportunities for employment.

Earn Academic Credits as You Work

Work Experience Education is offered as a credit course: One semester unit of credit will be awarded for every 54 hours of work experience. Applies to both paid and unpaid work experience.

Number of UnitsMinimum Hours Required
154
2108
3162
4216

Student Steps to Prepare for WEE

  • Identify companies hiring interns.
  • Create a Handshake account, to connect with employers and search for job and internship opportunities.
  • Contact the Office of Economic & Workforce Development to learn more about internships.
  • Prior to enrolling in the course, schedule a meeting with a WEE instructor from your program of study. The instructor will provide an overview of WEE requirements, determine units of credit and develop student learning outcomes.
  • Complete WEE Student Learning Outcomes form.
  • Employer completes the WEE Employer Agreement Form and Department of Labor (DOL) Fact Sheet.
  • Establish timeline for employer site visits.

Once you have completed steps 1 and 2, complete the WEE Intake Form.

Student will receive CRN and if needed, Add Authorization Code (AAC) if needed to enroll in WEE course.

Congratulations on obtaining a WEE internship!

WEE Student FAQs

A maximum of 14 semester units of credit per semester may be earned during one enrollment period in WEE. Students may repeat a WEE course. (For example, up to 14 semester units of credit may be earned during the academic year 2025-2026).

Yes, you may take up to 4 units of credit, not to exceed 14 college credits per semester.

Inquire with the WEE office for assistance. Contact: ivc-ewd@ivc.edu

Placement is not guaranteed, however, there are resources available to assist you in seeking an internship. Visit the IVC Career Center for guidance through career development, exploring majors, job search and internship opportunities to prepare for success in the workforce.

IVC Student Resources

  • Career Center  https://www.ivc.edu/career-center
    The IVC Career Center guides students through career development, exploring majors, job search and internship opportunities to prepare for success in the workforce.

  • Handshake https://ivc.joinhandshake.com/login
    Looking for a job or internship?  Connect with employers and companies through Handshake.  Find job and internship positions in several industries.

  • IVC Economic & Workforce Development (EWD) https://www.ivc.edu/ewd
    Irvine Valley College fosters economic and workforce development through strategic partnerships with business, community-based organizations and educational networks. EWD is an integral component of Irvine Valley College and committed to responding to the workforce needs within the Orange County region connecting students to employment and internship opportunities.

There are various program and government eligibility requirements. Verify with the Financial Aid office prior to WEE enrollment.

International students must meet additional federal requirements and program approvals. Inquire with the International Students program for more details and assistance.

No, once the course has begun, you are unable to make any changes to your WEE credits.

It is strongly recommended that students enroll in the number of units of credit that will be positively achievable. If a situation arises where you feel you will not meet WEE committed hours, contact your WEE instructor immediately.

Contact your WEE instructor immediately. The instructor will collaborate with you to find solutions. If you decide to drop the course, it is your responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal procedure.

Quality Hands-on training and mentoring for future employees.

Employer Benefits Include:

  • Access to an expanded source of qualified workers.
  • Gain a direct opportunity to recruit and screen potential employees.
  • Explore new and innovative ideas from student perspectives.
  • Reduce the turnover of entry-level employees.
  • Provide career exploration for IVC student and train in a real-world setting.

 

Employer Responsibilities and Expectations

Employers participating in the Work Experience Education program evaluate and screen potential students prior to making a decision to recruit a WEE student. Employers agree to provide adequate supervision, equipment and materials to achieve learning outcomes.

Employer Steps to Prepare for WEE

  • Meet and interview potential IVC student to discuss internship description, responsibilities, develop a work schedule, and review WEE Student Time Sheet.
  • An initial meeting will be set-up by IVC instructor with the employer and student to review WEE Student Learning Outcomes and requirements.
  • Sign WEE Employer Agreement Form.
  • Provide training, and supervise job activities to ensure student’s maximum educational benefit.
  • Reinforce job expectations, performance and outcomes.
  • Review WEE Student Time Sheet work hours.
  • Notify WEE Instructor with any changes, questions or issues.
  • Meet with WEE instructor and student for completion and assessment.
  • Review, approve and sign WEE Student Time Sheet.
  • Complete and submit WEE Employer Evaluation form.
  • Complete WEE Employer Site Visit form.

WEE Employer FAQs

In a paid position, the employer is responsible for the cost of workers' compensation insurance. In an unpaid position, the college is responsible for the cost of the workers' compensation insurance.

Employers provide coverage for the WEE student. Insurance requirements:

  • Workers’ Compensation: $1,000,000 per occurrence.
  • General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate.

To indicate your interest to recruit a WEE student, contact the  the Office of Economic & Workforce Development at  ivc-ewd@ivc.edu.

There is no required cost associated with recruiting a WEE student. Many WEE employers compensate students for their work; however, this is negotiated between the employer and the student.

Work Experience Education is offered as a credit course. One semester unit of credit will be awarded for every 54 hours of work experience. Applies to both paid and unpaid work experience.

Number of UnitsMinimum Hours Required
154
2108
3162
4216
  • WEE is learn while you earn.
  • WEE offers academic credit to the student, as well as work experience in partnership between employer, instructor and the student.
  • Internships are an employer-led work experience opportunity for the student to gain skills and experience.