For Partners

What is Work Based Learning?

Work-based learning (WBL) is an innovative educational strategy designed to seamlessly connect classroom instruction with real-world workplace experiences. This dynamic approach not only enhances student engagement but also strategically opens doors to a wealth of future educational and career opportunities.

Through thoughtfully curated work-based learning experiences, students deepen their understanding of various careers while acquiring vital skills that are directly applicable in today’s job market. Our program offers a progressive pathway that begins with introductory experiences, allowing students to explore career options and build foundational skills. As they advance, students embark on immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that provide practical insights and the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

By partnering with us, you can contribute to empowering the next generation of talent, ensuring they are equipped with the competencies and confidence necessary to thrive in their chosen careers. Together, we can foster a workforce that is not only prepared for the demands of the future but also driven to succeed.

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Work Based Learning Continuum

WBL is structured along a continuum based in the depth of experiences, ranging from learning about work to Career Training

Work Based Learning Continuum Learning Outcomes
Work Based Learning Continuum Characteristics & Experiences

Work Based Learning Continuum Learning Outcomes

Career Awareness

Learning ABOUT work.

Build awareness of the variety of careers available and the role of post-secondary education; broaden student options.

Learning Outcomes:

Describe a variety of career pathway options.
Describe how basic skills such as math and reading are used in the workplace.
Explain the importance of post-secondary education and training following high school graduation.

Career Exploration

Learning ABOUT work.

Explore career options and post-secondary requirements to motivate and inform decision-making in high school and post-secondary education.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain basic knowledge and skills required for success in college and careers.
Connect individual skills and interests to variety of career options.
Connect the pathway experience to the workplace experience.
Describe how post-secondary education connects to a career path of interest.
Describe and use multiple resources to find jobs.
Explain the options available through and importance of post-secondary education.

Career Preparation

Learning THROUGH work.

Apply learning through practical experience that develops knowledge and skills necessary for success in careers and post-secondary education.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain how the workplace functions and the skills required to succeed.
Demonstrate ability to apply for employment (write a resume, interview, complete application).
Demonstrate appropriate business dress, behavior and etiquette.
Describe a workplace experience, the skills required to succeed Explain the elements and importance of workplace safety.
Demonstrate general work-related skills including collaboration, effective communication, creativity, critical thinking and taking initiative.

Career Training

Learning FOR work.

Train for employment and/or post-secondary education in a specific range of occupations.

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate knowledge AND skills specific to employment at specific site in line with specific industry.
Develop an informed, detailed plan for career path through post-secondary and beyond.
Utilize resources available at job site, and at post-secondary institution to support individual career plan.
Complete clinical or apprenticeship experience as needed for full employment in career field.
Explain work history and career path to others, in and outside of industry of choice.

Work Based Learning Continuum Characteristics & Experiences

Career Awareness

Learning ABOUT work.

Build awareness of the variety of careers available and the role of post-secondary education; broaden student options.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain how the workplace functions and the skills required to succeed.
Demonstrate ability to apply for employment (write a resume, interview, complete application).
Demonstrate appropriate business dress, behavior and etiquette.
Describe a workplace experience, the skills required to succeed Explain the elements and importance of workplace safety.
Demonstrate general work-related skills including collaboration, effective communication, creativity, critical thinking and taking initiative.

Experiences Include:

Internship required for credential or entry to occupation
Apprenticeship
Clinical experience
On-the-job training
Work experience
Cooperative Education

Career Exploration

Learning ABOUT work.

Explore career options and post-secondary requirements to motivate and inform decision-making in high school and post-secondary education.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain how the workplace functions and the skills required to succeed.
Demonstrate ability to apply for employment (write a resume, interview, complete application).
Demonstrate appropriate business dress, behavior and etiquette.
Describe a workplace experience, the skills required to succeed Explain the elements and importance of workplace safety.
Demonstrate general work-related skills including collaboration, effective communication, creativity, critical thinking and taking initiative.

Experiences Include:

Internship required for credential or entry to occupation
Apprenticeship
Clinical experience
On-the-job training
Work experience
Cooperative Education

Career Preparation

Learning THROUGH work.

Apply learning through practical experience that develops knowledge and skills necessary for success in careers and post-secondary education.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain how the workplace functions and the skills required to succeed.
Demonstrate ability to apply for employment (write a resume, interview, complete application).
Demonstrate appropriate business dress, behavior and etiquette.
Describe a workplace experience, the skills required to succeed Explain the elements and importance of workplace safety.
Demonstrate general work-related skills including collaboration, effective communication, creativity, critical thinking and taking initiative.

Experiences Include:

Internship required for credential or entry to occupation
Apprenticeship
Clinical experience
On-the-job training
Work experience
Cooperative Education

Career Training

Learning FOR work.

Train for employment and/or post-secondary education in a specific range of occupations.

Characteristics

Interaction with partners over extended period of time.
Depth of interaction with partner increases.
Primary direct benefit to the employer.
Develop mastery of occupation specific skills.
Complete certifications or other requirements of a specific range of occupations.

Work Based Learning Benchmarks

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) benchmarks define the core career experiences that every student is expected to complete before graduation. These benchmarks ensure all students share a common sequence of meaningful career experiences that build career readiness skills year by year, deepen engagement in school and prepare students for success in college, career, and life after high school.

The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Benchmarks represent defined, high-impact engagement opportunities where industry partners can directly shape and influence the development of future talent. By participating in these core career experiences, partners ensure all students have equitable opportunities for career awareness, exploration, and preparation.

Work Based Learning Benchmarks by Grade

9th Grade Benchmarks

Student Grade Level	Required WBL Benchmark	Partner Relevance & Opportunity
9th Grade: Foundational Awareness	Guest Speaker (Career Awareness)	Talent Identification and Influence: Professionals speak directly about their careers and industry. This allows partners to introduce students to their industry early, shaping their perception of the job market and inspiring interest in specific pathways.
	Resume Building w/ Industry Partners	Skill Shaping: After initial instruction, students write resumes and receive feedback directly from professional partners. This ensures students receive current, industry-specific critiques, preparing them for future job applications.

10th Grade Benchmarks

Student Grade Level	Required WBL Benchmark	Partner Relevance & Opportunity
10th Grade: Exposure and Exploration	Career Exploration Visit	Site Visibility and Recruitment: Host a structured visit including a facility tour, career panels, and employee Q&A sessions. This showcases your company culture and the variety of roles available, helping students connect classroom learning to a specific workplace.
	Updated Resume Review	Vetting Early Skills: Industry partners review updated student resumes, offering professional feedback. This supports students in developing documentation skills necessary for career entry.

11th Grade Benchmarks

Student Grade Level	Required WBL Benchmark	Partner Relevance & Opportunity
11th Grade: Preparation and Simulation	Mock Interview w/ Industry Partners	Interview Pipeline Preparation: Partners simulate job interviews, providing constructive feedback on students’ professional demeanor and communication skills. This prepares students for college admissions and internship interviews, giving you a chance to scout well-prepared candidates.
	Guest Speaker (Career Connected Learning)	Classroom Collaboration: Professionals collaborate with teachers to co-teach lessons, conduct specialized workshops, or offer feedback related to ongoing student projects. This ensures academic content is current and relevant to industry needs.

12th Grade Benchmarks

Student Grade Level	Required WBL Benchmark	Partner Relevance & Opportunity
12th Grade: Real-World Application and Networking	Project-Based Learning (PBL)	Solve Real-World Problems: Students apply academic knowledge to solve a real-world industry problem or project, working directly in collaboration with professional partners. This provides your organization with fresh insights and tangible project deliverables, while you mentor high-level problem-solvers.
	Informational Interview w/ Industry Partners	Professional Networking and Mentorship: Students conduct structured interviews with professionals to gain deeper career insights, skills, and knowledge. This is an opportunity for low-commitment, high-impact mentoring, solidifying your professional relationship with potential future employees.

Work Based Learning Activities

Resume Review

Resume review, a career readiness activity, is when a professional partner gives a student feedback on their printed and/or electronic resumes. Teachers typically set up a resume review after students have gone through a resume writing lesson in the classroom. Student will analyze their work and demonstrate the ability to complete a professional resume ready for distribution to potential employers.

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Guest Speaking

A career Awareness Activity. Professionals speak directly about their careers and industry. Guest speaker responds to student questions, provides accessible examples of their day to day work activities and models professionalism. This allows industry partners to introduce students to their industry early, shaping their perception of the job market and inspiring interest in specific career paths.

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Site Visit/ Workplace Tour

Workplace tour, a career awareness activity, is a worksite visit where students learn about the structure, product, daily activities and workflow of an organization directly from employees on-site.Hosts offer a structured visit including a facility tour, career panels, and employee Q&A sessions. This showcases your company culture and the variety of roles available, helping students connect classroom learning to a specific workplace.

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Mock Interviews

Mock interview, a career readiness activity, pairs a student with a professional partner who interviews them as if the student were being interviewed by an employer for a paid position. Student participates in the interview by responding to questions and dressing professionally. Student will be able to generate questions for the mock interviewer for the purposes of clarifying or obtaining new information. Partners simulate job interviews, providing constructive feedback on the students' professional demeanor and communication skills.

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Career Days

Career Day is a career awareness activity in which professionals from various fields visit school sites to speak with students about their careers and career pathways. Presenters share their professional experiences, educational backgrounds, and the steps they took to achieve their careers, while students have opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussion.

To capture student interest during events with multiple presenters, professionals are encouraged to bring examples of their work or hands-on activities for students to explore. These interactive elements help presenters stand out, increase student engagement, and support deeper learning as students compare and contrast different careers, identify the steps needed to pursue those careers, and connect what they learn to their own career interests and aspirations.

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Job Shadowing

Job Shadowing is a career exploration activity in which an individual student is paired one-on-one with a professional for an organized visit to the professional’s worksite. Unlike a group or class workplace visit, job shadowing allows a single student to observe a professional’s typical workday and gain a personalized “day in the life” experience.

Throughout the day, the student observes daily responsibilities, attends meetings or appointments, and may interact with clients or customers as appropriate. This experience expands the student’s awareness of careers and work environments while allowing them to make real-world connections and observe how employees apply job-specific skills, knowledge, and professional behaviors in the workplace.

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Informational Interview

Internships

Internships are a culminating career preparation experience that extends student learning into a real-world employment setting. Through structured mentoring, defined timelines, and meaningful projects, internships provide tangible benefits to both students and host sites. Internship opportunities may take place during the school year or over the summer, allowing students to engage in sustained, hands-on learning aligned to their interests and career goals.

During an internship, students are exposed to professional skills, workplace culture, and industry-specific knowledge while applying skills learned in the classroom to complete assigned tasks and projects. This experience supports skill development, career readiness, and professional growth. Ideally, students are compensated with an educational stipend or scholarship upon successful completion of the internship.

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How to Get Involved?

Partner Organizations play a vital role in shaping the future workforce through partnerships in work-based learning. We offer support to limit the burden on employers and increase the educational value of these experiences for students. All work-based learning experiences are highly structured and supported by school site staff.

Work Based Learning Activities: Interested in Participating
Mentorship: Provide students with hands-on, time-bound learning internships.
- School Year Internships
- Summer internships
- Host an Intern

For Partners

Work Based Learning Benchmarks

How to Get Involved?

RESOURCES