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What Is Work-Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning is an instructional strategy that involves interactions with industry or community professionals, either on or off-campus, that link school-based instruction to the world of work. Students are exposed to work-based learning experiences which prepare them to make informed college and career choices and allows them to acquire necessary college-and-career-readiness skills that will help them become career ready graduates. For students it answers the question, “Why do I need to learn this?”
Community Benefits
- Employers provide students exposure to high quality work-based learning opportunities and assist in building a high quality employee pool
- Educators establish relationships with local industry representatives
- Increased highly-skilled workforce
Work-Based Learning Examples
- Guest Speakers
- Industry Recognized Certifications
- Industry Partner Coaching/Feedback
- Informational Interviews
- Internships
- Job Shadows
- Mentorships
- Mock Interviews
- Off-site Industry Visits
- Service Learning
Student Benefits
- Make direct connections between classroom learning and real world experiences.
- Build personal ownership of learning by connecting hands-on experiences to individual career goals.
- Develop college-and-career-ready soft skills
- Develop and practice positive work related habits and attitudes.
- Increase motivation to stay in school, earn a high school diploma, and increase post-secondary options.
- Develop and work towards achieving college and career goals during high school.
- Improve post-graduation employment opportunities.
- Establish professional contacts for future employment, mentoring and networking.