Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Workplace Learning
Central Piedmont is committed to the practice of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in personnel policies and intends that employees of the college and citizens of its service area shall be made aware of this commitment
On this page, you will find information about:
General Questions
Should work experience be paid or unpaid?
Internships may be listed as paid or unpaid. When for-profit businesses host unpaid interns, they should follow the seven-point criteria outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Central Piedmont Workplace Learning department cannot determine if a business is in compliance with the criteria.
What are the recommended hours a student should work during their internship?
In an internship, students have no minimum hour requirement. The work schedule is flexible and depends on your needs and the student's schedule. For a student combining their internship with academic credit, students are expected to work a minimum of 160 to 320 hours, depending on academic program, during the semester.
What type of work environments are acceptable?
Depending on the industry, our students are familiar with working in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid work environment. Due to liability reasons, Central Piedmont cannot promote work experiences where a student is working from an employer’s home.
Questions about Apprenticeships
Are there any costs associated with apprenticeship programs?
There are opportunities often through grants and federal funding. For additional information about youth apprenticeships and financial waivers, please see the North Carolina Youth Apprenticeship Guide (PDF).
What is the implementation timeline?
Programs have successfully launched within two to three months. However, time varies depending on your internal approval processes, complexity of the occupation, and academic course selection.
Questions about Work-based Learning
What is expected of an employer?
Employers are expected to:
- advertise your open opportunities
- identify a supervisor to provide relevant, hands-on experience and offer constructive feedback
- sign digital documentation so that students can earn academic credit. Students will submit three measurable learning objectives, monthly timesheets, and an employer evaluation.
What happens if an accident or injury occurs on the job site?
Specific classes require students to pay a small fee for student accident and professional liability insurance. In these situations, please contact the Workplace Learning office so we can help you and the student file an insurance claim through Central Piedmont. Coverage starts at the beginning of the term and stops at the end of the term. In addition, employers are expected to provide Worker's Compensation Liability Insurance coverage, as applicable, according to state law.
What if the student and employer partnership does not work out?
Workplace Learning makes every effort to resolve any student/employer situations, but occasionally this does happen. If any issues arise during the semester, we encourage you to contact the Workplace Learning office.