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Meanwhile, check out our Training Programs. You'll find great resources there that can help you drive learning at your company.
Work-based learning (WBL) is an educational approach that combines classroom instruction with hands-on, real-world work experiences. It allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve learned in school in actual work environments, preparing them for future careers by providing exposure to different industries and job functions.
Students work in a real-world setting within a company or organization for a specific period (usually several weeks to several months). Internships can be paid or unpaid and are generally part-time.
Example: A high school senior interested in engineering secures a summer internship at a local engineering firm, assisting with data collection, design reviews, and attending team meetings.
Externships are usually short-term, intensive experiences where students gain insight into a specific career field. These can range from a few days to a few weeks, often involving hands-on tasks or observation.
Example: A high school student interested in digital marketing participates in a one-week externship at a marketing agency, working on a project like analyzing social media trends and helping design a marketing campaign.
Apprenticeships are longer-term WBL experiences where students learn a skilled trade through a combination of classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are highly structured and often lead to industry-recognized credentials.
Example: A student studying HVAC systems in a career and technical education (CTE) program enters a two-year apprenticeship with a local heating and cooling company, where they work alongside experienced technicians while completing their coursework.
Apprenticeship America works with area businesses to set up and manage their apprenticeship programs. Currently, we support Diesel Mechanics (Agriculture & heavy-duty), and in 2025 will open programs in HVAC, plumbing, electric, welding and construction. There are also plans to move into apprenticeships in the healthcare industry as well!
A more structured, long-term program that allows high school students to split time between school and working for a company. This experience includes both mentorship and hands-on training, often with an industry-recognized credential or college credit at completion.
Example: A high school junior participates in a youth apprenticeship at a local manufacturing company, learning how to operate machinery and performing tasks under supervision while earning high school credit.
Job shadowing is a short-term experience where students observe a professional in their work environment to understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a particular role.
Example: A student interested in healthcare spends two days shadowing a nurse at a local hospital, observing patient care, medical procedures, and the hospital’s operations.
Co-ops are similar to internships but more integrated with a student’s academic program. Students typically alternate between periods of academic study and paid work related to their field.
Example: A high school student in a business administration program splits their time between classes and working part-time at a local financial firm, gaining experience in basic office operations and customer service.
In a project-based learning scenario, students collaborate with a business partner on a real-world project that addresses a specific problem or need. This can sometimes be done within the context of an internship.
Example: A group of students interning with a tech company works on developing a mobile app that solves a common community issue, presenting their project to company leaders at the end of the internship.
A student-led business operating within the school where students take on roles similar to a real-world workplace. Students often work with local businesses or industries to simulate real-world business operations.
Example: A high school runs a student-operated café where students manage everything from inventory and marketing to customer service, with guidance from a local restaurant owner acting as a mentor.
Service learning combines community service with academic learning and career development. While not always tied to a specific career path like internships, students often gain workplace skills and insights into various careers.
Example: Students intern with a local nonprofit organization, developing a marketing plan for a community event, managing social media, and coordinating volunteer activities.
Capstone projects are in-depth research or design projects that students complete as the culmination of their academic studies. These projects often involve partnerships with local businesses or industries.
Example: A student pursuing an internship with an architectural firm completes a capstone project designing a small public space, with guidance and feedback from architects at the firm.
Students gain industry-specific skills and experiences that make them more attractive to future employers. WBL prepares students for the expectations of the workforce, such as punctuality, professional conduct, and effective communication. They enter the job market with a stronger understanding of what employers expect. When students graduate and enter the workforce, they already have experience navigating real-world work environments, reducing the time it takes to acclimate to full-time employment.
WBL provides opportunities for students to build relationships with professionals and employers in their field of interest.
Access to Industry Mentors: WBL connects students with industry professionals who can offer guidance, share experiences, and provide mentorship. These relationships can help students navigate career paths and make important professional connections. Building a Professional Network: By interacting with professionals in the field, students build a network that can be valuable for future job opportunities, internships, or apprenticeships.
By participating in hands-on experiences, students often become more engaged and motivated in their academic work. Work-based learning is seen as a critical tool for bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring students have the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce.
A Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing work-based learning opportunities for students. They collaborate with local businesses, industry partners, and school staff to create internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and other hands-on learning experiences that align with students’ academic goals and career aspirations. The coordinator recruits students, matches them with appropriate employers, and prepares them for workplace expectations. Additionally, they monitor students’ progress, provide mentorship, and ensure that both students and employers have a positive and productive experience.
WBL Coordinators also work to build strong partnerships with local employers, ensuring that programs are legally compliant and meet the needs of the workforce. They are responsible for tracking student outcomes, collecting feedback from employers, and continuously improving the program. By promoting the value of work-based learning within the school and the community, the coordinator helps students gain real-world skills, develop career readiness, and explore potential career paths through practical, hands-on experiences.
An advisory committee for a Work-Based Learning (WBL) program plays a key role in guiding the development and implementation of the program to ensure it meets the needs of both students and the local workforce. Composed of industry professionals, educators, and community leaders, the committee provides valuable insights into current industry trends, workforce demands, and skill requirements. This input helps shape the WBL curriculum, ensuring students are prepared for real-world careers through relevant and meaningful learning experiences. The committee also assists in identifying potential employer partners and fostering collaboration between schools and local businesses.
In addition to offering strategic advice, the advisory committee helps evaluate the effectiveness of the WBL program, reviewing student outcomes, program success metrics, and employer feedback. They recommend improvements and adjustments to keep the program aligned with evolving industry needs. The committee also plays a role in promoting the program within the community, advocating for continued support and helping to secure resources or partnerships that enhance the program’s reach and impact. By providing industry-aligned guidance, the advisory committee ensures the WBL program remains effective and relevant.
Employers and worksite supervisors play a crucial role in the success of Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs by providing students with hands-on, real-world experience in their industries. Employers partner with schools to offer internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and other work experiences, giving students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting. They help shape the program by offering insights into the skills and competencies needed in the workplace, ensuring students are exposed to relevant tasks and responsibilities that prepare them for future careers. Employers also provide a safe and supportive environment where students can develop technical skills, soft skills, and professionalism.
Worksite supervisors, specifically, are responsible for overseeing students’ day-to-day activities at the job site, offering guidance, mentorship, and feedback throughout the learning process. They play a key role in evaluating student performance, helping students build confidence and gain practical experience. Supervisors ensure that students understand workplace expectations and assist in fostering a positive, productive experience. By working closely with the WBL coordinator, employers and supervisors help create meaningful learning opportunities that benefit both the student and the business, while contributing to workforce development.
Students play an active and essential role in Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs, as they are the primary beneficiaries of these hands-on, real-world experiences. By participating in internships, apprenticeships, or job shadowing, students have the opportunity to apply classroom learning in practical settings, gaining valuable insights into various industries and potential career paths. They are responsible for engaging fully in the work experience, demonstrating a willingness to learn, and developing both technical and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students also benefit by gaining a clearer understanding of their career interests and professional goals.
In addition to building job-specific skills, students learn essential workplace behaviors and professionalism under the guidance of supervisors and mentors. They are expected to show initiative, ask questions, and seek feedback to maximize their learning experience. Through WBL, students gain confidence, expand their networks, and enhance their career readiness, making them better prepared for future employment or further education. Their active participation and commitment to growth are critical to the overall success of the program and their own personal development.
School counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ participation in Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs by helping them align their career interests and academic goals with real-world experiences. Counselors guide students in exploring potential career paths, assessing their skills and interests, and identifying appropriate WBL opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, or job shadowing. They work closely with WBL coordinators to ensure that students are matched with relevant placements that will enhance their personal growth and career readiness. Counselors also provide ongoing support, helping students navigate challenges and reflect on their experiences to make informed decisions about their future careers.
In addition to assisting students, school counselors collaborate with teachers, WBL coordinators, and employers to integrate WBL experiences into the broader academic framework. They play a key role in ensuring that WBL opportunities align with graduation requirements, career pathways, and postsecondary plans. Counselors also help communicate the benefits of WBL to parents and the community, advocating for its importance in developing career-ready students. Their guidance and oversight are essential to helping students make the most of their work-based learning experiences.
School administrators play a critical leadership role in the successful implementation of Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs by ensuring they are well-integrated into the school’s overall educational goals. They provide strategic oversight, allocating resources, and setting the vision for how WBL aligns with academic and career-readiness objectives. Administrators collaborate with WBL coordinators, teachers, and counselors to develop and support a strong infrastructure for WBL, ensuring that it enhances students’ learning while meeting legal, safety, and logistical requirements. Their role includes fostering partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders to create diverse and meaningful work experiences for students.
Additionally, school administrators act as advocates for WBL within the school and broader community. They promote the importance of these programs to parents, school boards, and other stakeholders, highlighting how WBL prepares students for future careers and postsecondary opportunities. By supporting staff development and ensuring that WBL is a key part of the school’s strategic plan, administrators play an essential role in expanding the program’s reach and impact, making it a sustainable and integral part of the student experience. Their leadership helps create a culture that values hands-on learning and career preparation.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in supporting their children’s participation in Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs by encouraging them to explore career opportunities that align with their interests and skills. They provide guidance in choosing internships, apprenticeships, or job shadowing experiences, helping students understand the value of hands-on learning and its impact on their future careers. Parents also collaborate with school counselors, teachers, and WBL coordinators to stay informed about their child’s progress, ensuring they are prepared for the workplace and remain focused on academic success. By fostering open communication, reinforcing important workplace skills like professionalism and time management, and offering ongoing encouragement, parents and guardians help their children make the most of WBL experiences and prepare for future educational and career decisions.
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Our team helps schools across the nation start and upscale their Work-Based Learning Programs in a variety of ways.
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