Page 48 - Fayette County NCG

Education

Trilith LIVE and Trilith Institute, as it is their
first year in the program.
Duncan has been WBL Coordinator for
eight years. She says student participation
is on the rise. “We had 90 more applicants
this year than we did last year,” she said.
“The numbers are definitely growing, and I
love it.”
Last year, of 200-plus students
who applied to the WBL program,
approximately 143 were placed. Duncan
is currently processing 255 applications,
looking to place up to 160 students in the
coming school year. She notes that around
5% to 7% of students don’t find spots in
WBL due to schedule conflicts. Typically,
Work-based Learning Students
up to 70% of students who apply find
placement. The others don’t get placed
“The (Piedmont Fayette) hospital does According to Duncan, students have
because Duncan “doesn’t have enough
a fantastic job accepting students who “so many opportunities now with Dual
employers to take them.”
want to go into that hospital setting,” said Enrollment, AP (advanced placement)
There are more interested students
than there are available internships Duncan. “There are students who maybe classes, and Work-Based Learning. They
in Fayette County. About 110 local want to do healthcare in a different setting. just have to figure out what’s best for them
businesses and government offices We may not be able to find placements and their goals, where they want to go
participate, but the program “needs more for all of them. There are some that want after graduation.”
placements,” said Duncan. to participate, but we just don’t have the “I tell everybody, I have the best job,”
Companies participating in the
employer numbers to support it.” Duncan said. “A lot of times, a student’s
program reap numerous benefits. It is
an investment not only in the student’s
future but also in the company’s future.
WBL businesses enjoy early access
to talent and create a talent pipeline,
Duncan explained. They are engaging
in community goodwill and workforce
development while building a strong
community partnership with the Fayette
school district.
“The State offers a discount on Worker’s
Compensation Insurance for participation
in the WBL program through Georgia HB
402 (up to $2500),” Duncan added.
Companies often rehire their former
WBL interns, offering summer jobs during
college breaks, reducing training time
and costs. Fayette County companies
interested in joining the Work-Based
Learning (WBL) and Youth Apprenticeship
(YAP) program should contact Melanie
Duncan directly.
Duncan said her number one request
is for work-based learning opportunities
in healthcare.
44 Fayette County SOURCE Magazine • Issue 2 • 2025