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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 instructor.

Work Experience Education Contact

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Martha Payán-Hernández
Director, Economic & Workforce Development 
 

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. Students will earn up to 4 unites of credit per semester.

Number of UnitsMinimum Hours Required
154
2108
3162
4216

Student Steps to Prepare for WEE

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

Student will receive CRN and an Add Authorization Code (AAC) to enroll in the course from the department staff or instructor.

Congratulations on obtaining a WEE internship!

WEE Student FAQs

Yes, inquire with the WEE office for assistance. Contact: ivc-wee@ivc.edu

Yes, inquire with the WEE office for assistance. Contact: ivc-wee@ivc.edu

While placement is not guaranteed, there are resources available to assist you in seeking an internship.

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
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)
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, 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 you are unable to meet the required WEE hours to successfully complete the course, contact your WEE instructor immediately.

Contact your WEE instructor immediately. If you decide to drop the course, it is your responsibility to initiate and complete the withdrawal procedure.

    No. We cannot accommodate academic credit for an in-person internship that is located outside of California.

No. We cannot accommodate academic credit for any internships where the employer is located out of the country.

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 agree to provide adequate supervision, equipment and materials to achieve learning objectives.

Employer Steps to Prepare for WEE

  • Meet with IVC student to discuss internship, responsibilities, and develop a work schedule.
  • An initial meeting will be set-up by IVC instructor with the employer and student to review WEE Student Learning Objectives 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 work hours.
  • Notify WEE instructor with any changes, questions or issues.
  • Meet with instructor and student for final assessment.
  • Review, approve and sign WEE Student Hours Tracker form.
  • Complete and submit WEE Employer Evaluation 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.

To indicate your interest in recruiting a WEE student, contact the Office of Economic & Workforce Development at  ivc-wee@ivc.edu.

Compensation is not required. However, many employers compensate students for their work. This is negotiated between the employer and the student.

One semester unit of credit will be awarded for every 54 hours of work experience. 

Number of UnitsMinimum Hours Required
154
2108
3162
4216
  • WEE offers academic credit to the student, as well as work experience in partnership between employer, instructor and the student.
  • A traditional internship is an employer-led work experience opportunity for the student to gain skills and experience. No academic credit is awarded.