Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a CTE initiative to link students with the world of work. Students learn better when information is relevant. WBL links school to workplace realities and requires a dedicated business partner. We value the collaboration and partnerships by our local businesses in supporting our students.  

There are three major types of work-based learning: WBL courses for an internship elective credit, WBL short-term experiences such as 1-day job shadowing, and WBL as part of CTE upper level courses that involve 40 hours or more.  

Internship: A one-on-one relationship with an employer that provides “hands-on” learning in a career area of student interest. A required learning contract outlines the expectations of and responsibilities of both parties. The student works regularly during or after school for specified time period in exchange for the employer’s time in teaching and demonstrating. The internship shall include a minimum of 120 hours of work for a Carnegie unit of credit OR a minimum of 40 practical On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours embedded as part of an approved CTE course. Instruction may or may not include financial compensation.

Youth Apprenticeship: Begins in the eleventh grade for students who are age 16 and older. This activity combines classroom instruction (at both secondary and post-secondary levels) with one to two years of on-the-job learning, and results in a “certification of mastery” of specific technical skills. A youth apprentice may matriculate to a Registered Apprenticeship program after high school. These types of apprenticeships may or may not include financial compensation. Must be approved by DOL and CTE District Office.

Health Sciences Clinicals: provide students with opportunities to explore a variety of health careers, develop knowledge and skills related to healthcare, and transition from the role of student to that of healthcare professional. Students can rotate among local healthcare related facilities to develop an awareness as part of a training agreement. Nurse Aide students complete a minimum of 40 clinical hours in an approved skilled nursing facility. Clinicals must be planned and supervised cooperatively by the teacher of record and the training sponsor. In the classroom, students are expected to master the essential knowledge and skills of health science coursework prior to participation in this experience.

Cooperative Education: Programs that coordinate high school CATE course of study with a job in a field related to the CATE course objectives. Students, the cooperating teacher and participating businesses develop written training and evaluation plans to guide workplace activities in coordination with classroom instruction. A minimum of 40 hours is required as part of the CATE course.