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Site Visit

A site visit is an activity in which students visit a workplace, learn about the business, meet employees, ask questions, and observe work in progress.

Career Exploration

Site visits are activities in the Career Exploration stage of the work-based learning continuum, which provides authentic experiences to all students engaged in career-related programs or courses of study in Chicago Public Schools.

More than a simple field trip, a Site Visit is designed and structured to meet specific learning outcomes, be educationally rich, and build awareness of the business, its industry sector, its role in the economy, and the career options it provides. 

A Site Visit involves preparation and follow-up in the classroom, including research and reflection by students. Tours generally last between an hour-and-a-half to two hours.

Purpose

Site visits provide an opportunity for students to learn about an industry, potential career opportunities, and jobs. The activities are designed to:

  • Build occupational knowledge.
  • Build an understanding of the education and training needed for entry into careers in the industry.
  • Foster an understanding of the business’s workforce and its contributions to the community.

Structure

Site visits help students to enhance their workplace knowledge and build their career awareness. The activities are structured to:

  • Illustrate how key academic concepts are applied in the real world.
  • Offer students a chance to ask questions and observe work in progress.
  • Promote student interaction with professional adults.

Outcomes

Site visits help students learn about future workplace opportunities through observing employees at a place of business. The activities are connected to:

  • Classroom learning and preparation.
  • Individual career development/training plans.
  • A sequence of educational, training, and workplace activities.
  • The student’s next steps through intentionally sequencing with future work-based or career-related classroom experiences.