About Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning is an educational strategy that provides students with both academic and applied knowledge work experiences where they are able to apply academic and technical skills to develop their employability. It is what engages high school students in workplace or in-depth experiences to promote learning and future college and  career readiness. 

Purpose and Benefits

The purpose of work-based learning is to provide students with opportunities to gain work experience that will contribute to their employability after high school. it is what gives students the foundation of core academic and technical components of a pathway. Students will able to find what they are passionate about and gain the experience and knowledge that they need to facilitate growth within their pathway choice within the classroom. The exposure that is given throughout these programs can consist of job shadowing, intensive internships, virtual apprenticeships, and school-based enterprises. 

Work-Based Learning gives students the opportunity to learn a variety of skills by expanding the walls of classroom learning to include the community. Work-Based Learning creates meaning for students in both their educational and future career success. 

Work-Based Learning provides opportunities for students to learn a variety of skills through rigorous academic preparation with hands-on career development experiences. Under the guidance of CTE teachers and adult mentors, students learn to work in teams, solve problems, and meet employers’ expectations. By introducing students to their areas of career interest, or providing occasions for solving problems and demonstrating skills in authentic settings, work-based learning can motivate and reinforce student learning in ways not available to traditional classroom instruction.

Work-Based Learning Goals and Benefits

Work-Based Learning allows students to see how classroom instruction relates to real world experiences pertaining to career and educational opportunities. 

Work-Based Learning provides the following: 

• Active participation of educators, employees, students, parents, and appropriate agency and community representatives
• Development of learning and workplace competencies
• Interest in school activities creating more of a liking of school
• Improvement of student grades
• Improvement in student employability
• Increased awareness of nontraditional career opportunities
• Help for students in identifying Career Pathways