Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning gives students opportunities to gain practical experience, develop workplace skills, and better understand what it is like to participate in a real work environment.
Through hands-on experiences, students can explore different careers, practice professional behaviors, build confidence, and begin connecting what they learn in school to the expectations of the workplace.
What Is Work-Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning provides students with opportunities to experience the workplace while developing skills that can support future employment.
These experiences may take place in businesses, community organizations, volunteer settings, or other real-world environments.
Students can observe professionals, participate in supervised activities, practice workplace expectations, and learn how different jobs and industries operate.
These experiences can also help students determine what types of work they enjoy, what environments fit their preferences, and what skills they may want to continue developing.
Students May Develop:
- Workplace communication skills
- Professional behavior and etiquette
- Time management and responsibility
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving skills
- Understanding of workplace expectations
- Confidence in professional environments
Examples May Include
Work-Based Learning can take many forms depending on a student's goals, interests, abilities, and available opportunities within the community.
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing allows students to observe employees in a real workplace and learn more about daily responsibilities, workplace expectations, and career pathways.
- Observe professionals on the job
- Learn about daily work responsibilities
- Ask questions about careers
- Explore workplace environments
- Learn about education and training requirements
Internships
Internships provide students with more structured opportunities to participate in workplace activities while learning directly from professionals.
- Practice workplace skills
- Build professional experience
- Learn from supervisors and coworkers
- Develop confidence and independence
- Explore possible career paths
Work Experiences
Work experiences allow students to participate in real or simulated employment activities while practicing the skills needed to succeed in a workplace.
- Complete workplace tasks
- Practice following directions
- Develop workplace routines
- Build communication skills
- Increase independence and responsibility
Service Learning
Service learning combines community involvement with skill development, helping students contribute to their community while practicing useful workplace and life skills.
- Participate in community projects
- Build teamwork and communication
- Develop responsibility
- Practice problem-solving
- Learn through meaningful service
Volunteer Experiences
Volunteer opportunities allow students to gain experience, practice professional behaviors, and contribute to organizations within their community.
- Gain hands-on experience
- Build professional references
- Practice reliability and responsibility
- Explore different work environments
- Strengthen communication and social skills
What Students Can Gain
Work-Based Learning helps students understand the workplace while developing practical skills they can use throughout their future careers.
Workplace Confidence
Students become more comfortable participating in professional environments and interacting with supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
Real Experience
Hands-on opportunities allow students to experience workplace tasks, responsibilities, and routines firsthand.
Professional Skills
Students practice communication, teamwork, time management, organization, reliability, and other skills employers value.
Career Awareness
Workplace experiences give students greater insight into careers, industries, and work environments they may want to pursue.
Greater Independence
Students practice completing responsibilities, following routines, asking for help, and managing workplace expectations.
Future Connections
Work-Based Learning can introduce students to employers, professionals, community organizations, and other valuable career resources.
Turning Experience Into Opportunity
Work-Based Learning helps students move from learning about employment to actively practicing the skills needed to participate in the workplace.
Observe
Learn how workplaces operate and what different jobs involve.
Practice
Develop workplace behaviors, communication, and job-related skills.
Experience
Participate in meaningful work, service, internship, or volunteer activities.
Grow
Build confidence, independence, and experience for future employment.
Helping Students Build Skills for the Workplace
Work-Based Learning gives students opportunities to move beyond the classroom and experience the world of work firsthand. Through meaningful experiences and community connections, students can strengthen their skills, explore their interests, and prepare for future employment.