Occupational Course of Study

  • What is the Future Ready Occupational Course of Study (OCS)?

    The Occupational Course of Study is one of two ways to achieve a NC High School Diploma.  This is a diploma pathway option with requirements that are intended to build work ready and community college ready skills.

    The consideration of the OCS Pathway for students who wish to attend a 4 year college or university upon graduation is not an appropriate option.

     

    Who is eligible for the Occupational Course of Study?

    The IEP Team, which includes parents and the student, makes recommendations as to the appropriateness of the Occupational Course of Study for a particular student based on his/her post-school transition needs and goals. 

    Upon the recommendation of the Occupational Course of Study by the IEP team, the parent and student must sign the Statement of Understanding if the student and parent agree to participation in this course of study.

    The consideration of the OCS Pathway for students who wish to attend a 4 year college or university upon graduation is not an appropriate option.

     

    The Occupational Course of Study consists of the following vocational training components in additional to academic requirements:

     

    First time 9th grade student entering 2013-2014 or before

    First time 9th grade student entering 2014-2015 or after

    School-Based Training

    300 hours

    150 hours

    Community-Based Training

    240 hours

    225 hours

    Paid Employment

     

    360 hours

    225 hours

    Total Work Hours Required

    900 hours

    600 hours

     

    OCCUPATIONAL COURSE OF STUDY BENEFITS

    STUDENT BENEFITS

    • Work skills acquired in school environment as well as business environment
    • Diversity of Career Paths explored
    • Job Coaches on Site
    • Positive Work Ethic Model
    • Employment Opportunity

    PARENT BENEFITS

    • Unity of School & Home Instruction
    • Community Organizations Contact
    • Participation in Career Choice & Employment Search

    WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITES AS A PARENT?

    • Attend IEP Meetings
    • Collaborate with UCPS Staff and Community Agency Representatives
    • Provide assistance with transportation for student to work sites.
    • Discuss appropriate behavior and attitude with student
    • Be sure that the student has proper attire for working or job shadowing at work sites.
    • Encourage successful student involvement and completion of the program.

    UCPS Statement of Understanding for OCS/Student/Parent


    For more Information on the Occupational Course of Study contact: 

    Union County Public Schools 

    Linda Little, Transition Specialist   

    1121 Skyway Drive   Monroe, NC  28110 

    (704) 289-2543