Early Work Information

MCCTC Early Work Placement Program
(2026-2027)

The MCCTC Early Work Placement Program offers students the opportunity to jumpstart their careers by gaining real-world, paid experience in their career technical (CT) program pathway while still earning their high school diploma. Depending on your goals and academic standing, you can apply for one of two paths.

Explore the options, qualifications, and timelines below.

Early Work Packet (PDF Download)

Option A:
Full-Time Work Placement

Students may apply during the month of August (specific dates below) heading into their senior year. Students must have already secured employment & will continue their employment full-time and complete asynchronous academic requirements online through VLA (Virtual Learning Academy).

Qualifications and Requirements
Timeline and Important Dates

Qualifications and Requirements

Completion of core career technical training program and accelerated completion of CT program pathway credentials/certifications.
Lab instructor recommendation based on excellence in character and knowledge of lab competencies (accelerated mastery).
Parent/Guardian approval verified through an in-person meeting or phone conversation with the CT instructor and/or administrator.
On-track for Ohio high school diploma.
Access to reliable transportation.
85% attendance rate or better at the time of application.
4.0 lab GPA and 3.0+ academic GPA. Based on average GPA for lab and academics separately for their junior year and/or their senior year to date.
A grade of B or above must be maintained across all areas at all times.
No OSS or repeated discipline infractions.
Ability to secure employment at an MCCTC industry partner (must be related to current CT program) willing to participate & follow the requirements of the early work program.
Completion of the early work agreement with all required signatures and information.

Timeline and Important Dates

Students can apply and be evaluated for placement during the summer starting August 24th 2026, or during Quarter 2 or 3 of their senior year for placement at the start of the next semester (i.e., apply during quarter 2 to start Quarter 3).
- 1st 9 weeks: 9/8-11/6
- 2nd 9 weeks: 11/9-1/29
- 3rd 9 weeks: 2/1-4/9
- 4th 9 weeks: 4/12-6/10
Full Time Early Work students will be required to attend the first full week of school in both their online academics & CT lab.

Option B:
Part-Time Work Placement

Students may participate in a half-day every day schedule throughout the school year. The student will attend in-person academic classes in the morning and then leave during lab time to attend their place of employment. If students are not scheduled to work, they must attend school for the full day, including their lab.

Qualifications and Requirements
Timeline and Important Dates

Qualifications and Requirements

Completion of pre-employment credentials and/or certifications.
Lab instructor recommendation based on professionalism and baseline progress toward lab-competencies (foundational mastery).
Parent/Guardian approval.
On-track for Ohio high school diploma or satisfactory progress toward credit recovery.
Access to reliable transportation.
80% attendance rate or better at time of application.
3.0+ lab GPA and 2.0+ academic GPA. Based on a rolling calculation.
A grade of C or above must be maintained across all areas at all times.
No major infractions of the student code of conduct.
Ability to secure employment at an employer within the scope of the career technical program pathway. (must be related to current CT program)
Completion of the early work agreement with all required signatures and information.
Part time work schedules vary by student & CT program. Students may leave after their last academic class or may be permitted to earn a combination of All Day & 1⁄2 day work release. 1st 9 wks = 1⁄2 days only, 2nd 9 wks = 2 full days, 3rd 9 wks = 3 full days, 4th 9 wks = 4 full days.

Timeline and Important Dates

The first day students will be able to begin the paper work process for part time early work placement is the start of week 4 of the 26-27 school year. *September 28, 2026
After Quarter 2 students can apply and be evaluated for full-time work placement (Option A) to start the following semester. If approved, the student’s academic schedule will change to online instruction at the beginning of the 2nd semester.

Application and Paperwork Steps

Step 1: Discuss with Parent/Guardian and CT Lab Instructor

Discuss early work with their CT lab instructor to determine if the student is ready & able to start working, confirm a job,
confirm reliable transportation and begin the paperwork process. Students will receive all paperwork from their CT / lab instructor.
The CT teacher must sign the early work agreement form first. This includes having all of the employer information completed at the
top of the early work agreement form. Students should have an initial discussion about early work with their parents & guardians at
this time.

Questions?

Contact Matt Campbell
matt.campbell@mahoningctc.com
Ext. 1208

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In This Section

MCCTC Early Work Placement Program
(2026-2027)

Option A:
Full-Time Work Placement

Qualifications and Requirements

Timeline and Important Dates

Option B:
Part-Time Work Placement

Qualifications and Requirements

Timeline and Important Dates

Application and Paperwork Steps

Step 1: Discuss with Parent/Guardian and CT Lab Instructor

Step 2: Confirm Job Schedule

Step 3: Meet with Guidance Counselor

Step 4: Meet with Academic Teachers

Step 5: Parent/Guardian Review and Sign

Step 6: Meet with Mr. Campbell

Questions?

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Adult Career Center

Early Work Information

MCCTC Early Work Placement Program (2026-2027)

Option A: Full-Time Work Placement

Option B: Part-Time Work Placement

Questions?

MCCTC Early Work Placement Program
(2026-2027)

Option A:
Full-Time Work Placement

Option B:
Part-Time Work Placement