2 of 19

Work-Based Learning (WBL)

Definition

Sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-3096/pdf/COMPS-3096.pdf

3 of 19

Quality Work Based Learning

Direct interaction between student and industry professionals
A sequence of experiences that begins with awareness and moves on to exploration and hands-on preparation
Clearly defined learning objectives related to classroom curricula
Alignment with students’ career interests
Alignment with the state standards and industry/occupational standards
Exposure to a wide range of industries and occupations
Collaboration between employers and educators, with clearly defined roles for each
Activities with a range of levels of intensity and duration
Intentional student preparation and opportunities for reflection

wblcalifornia.org

4 of 19

Work Based Learning Continuum

Help students develop awareness of their strengths, interests, and values, as well as career and training opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to explore career options for the purpose of motivating them and allowing them to make informed decisions.

Career Interactions

Apply learning through practical experience that develops knowledge and skills.

Career Training Experiences

Training for employment and postsecondary education in a specific range of occupations.

Career Awareness & Exploration

5 of 19

Types of Work Based Learning

Career Awareness & Exploration (Learning About Work)
Career Interest/ Aptitude Test
Industry/ Workplace Tour
Guest Speaker
Career/ College Fair
Informational Interviews
Role Model Observations

Career Interactions (Learning Through Work)
Classroom Project w/ Industry Involvements
Job Shadowing
Mentorship
Student Competitions (Industry-Based)
Student-Run Enterprise w/ Industry

Career Training Experiences (Learning For Work)
Community Classroom/ Work Experience
Cooperative Vocational Training
Internship - Paid/ Unpaid
Registered or Non-Registered Apprenticeship
Clinical Experiences

6 of 19

Career/ College Fair

An activity where employers from a variety of industries come together at a site to share information about their company, their job, and the education and skills that are required for success in their career.

7 of 19

Guest Speaker

Virtual or In-Person: An effective method of bringing workplace learning into the classroom and allowing students to interact with a professional to earn facts about careers.

8 of 19

Industry Tour

A work site or group experience where students learn about the structure, products, and daily workflow from employees at a company site.

9 of 19

Informational Interview

Students gather career and industry information from a professional – inquiring about the specific aspects of their professional career.

10 of 19

Career/ Student Competition

Students get to apply their CTE sector knowledge and technical skills with their CTE instructors and/ or Club advisors. Students compete in competitions such as Virtual Enterprise, Robotics, and CTSO’s (such as Skills USA and HOSA).

11 of 19

Mentorship

Focuses on helping the mentee navigate their career path and strategize to achieve their career goals. Mentors should help the mentee define his/ her career goals, and identify specific developmental objectives that are necessary to achieve these goals.

12 of 19

Job Shadow

An organized visit to a work place for no less than 3 hours and no more than 25 hours in one semester. Students get a “day-in-the-life” perspective through different interactions.

13 of 19

Industry Certification

An industry-recognized assessment that measures competency in a given skill and/or knowledge, as it relates to a specific career pathway.

14 of 19

Employability Skills/ Mock Interviews

Activities on developing competencies and skills for entering or advancing in the workplace: resume building, cover letter writing, job searching, networking, personal branding, and interviewing.

15 of 19

Simulated WBL

A program where students can gain business experience through a virtual environment that is aligned to the classroom curriculum. Students must develop business plans and websites.

16 of 19

Student-Led Enterprise

The development and operation of a revenue-generating business (regardless of profit gain or loss) and is associated with a course at the school in which the student is enrolled.

17 of 19

Internship

Paid or unpaid; internships provide students opportunities for supervised and specific practice for a future career. Students can apply classroom learning in a workplace setting.

18 of 19

Registered/ Non-Registered Apprenticeship

A “registered” pre-apprenticeship program has been 1. Registered at the state or national level and 2. Students received a completion certificate.

A “non-registered” pre-apprenticeship program has not been registered at the state or national level and is designed to provide students with the entry-level skills necessary to be eligible to enter a registered apprenticeship program.

19 of 19

Thank You

Ardy Riego

Work Based Learning Specialist

College & Career Readiness Dept.

Grossmont Union High School District

619-644-8099

ariego@guhsd.net