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As part of The Calais School’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, high school and 12-Plus students explore potential career paths through hands-on internships with local businesses.
These real-world experiences provide students with valuable job training in professional settings while helping them build transferable skills essential for life after graduation. Through WBL, students enhance their resumes, explore different industries, and develop critical workplace readiness.
Our WBL program offers opportunities across a wide range of industries. Today, we’re highlighting a recent partnership with IHOP Parsippany, where students got a true taste for what it’s like to work in the restaurant industry.
IHOP operates over 1,650 locations across the U.S. and internationally. The chain, known for its welcoming, family-friendly environment, compliments our existing catalog of internship locations providing a safe but meaningful work environment for our students.
“We partnered with The Calais School and their Work-Based Learning internship program because we truly believe in investing in our community and helping students build real-world skills,” said Edgar Ortega, Manager of IHOP Parsippany. “Providing a supportive and inclusive environment where students can learn, grow, and gain hands-on experience aligns with our values.”
During their internships, Calais students are hands-on with everything from folding kids’ menus and adding crayons to cleaning glass entrance doors, prepping napkin and utensil roll-ups and maintaining syrup bottles/menu bins. These tasks help reinforce the importance of attention to detail and maintaining a clean, inviting space – so essential for repeat business in a customer-service-driven environment.
Even small gestures at a restaurant can make a lasting impact. Ortega shared a memorable moment:
“A Calais student took the initiative to open the door for one of our guests with a warm smile. The guest later complimented us on how thoughtful and welcoming the experience felt. Moments like that remind us why this partnership is so valuable.”
Ortega also offers invaluable advice to students as they prepare for their futures,
“Always show up with a positive attitude, be willing to learn, and take pride in every task—no matter how big or small. Always dream big and never give up. Your determination and effort will open doors to opportunities you never imagined. Most of all, feel proud of what you accomplished and excited for lies ahead.”
It’s been such a positive experience on both ends as we work together to help empower young individuals to succeed both personally and professionally.
