What is Work-Based Learning?

WORK-BASED LEARNING FORMATS

The State of South Carolina recognizes ten forms of Work-Based Learning.  Primarily, Advantage Academy focuses on the experiences that qualify for Career Readiness.

Career Ready Work-Based Learning Possibilities

(*Must meet state accountability requirements to be counted as Career Ready experiences)

• Apprenticeships

• Co-ops

• Internships

Other State-approved Work-Based Learning Experiences

• On-site Job Shadowing

• Virtual Job Shadowing

• Mentoring

• School-Based Enterprise

• Service Learning

• Structured Field Study

• WBL Credit-Bearing Course

Learn more in the SC Department of Education Work-Based Learning Implementation manual

Benefits of WBL 

The following benefits of a WBL experience should be stressed to potential business/industry worksite sponsors, as well as to parents, students, steering committees, and other school personnel: 

For the Student Learner 

• The student is provided supervised training in the specific area that he or she has chosen as a career objective (applies only to career preparation WBL methods). 

• The student can learn useful employment skills under actual workplace conditions. 

• Interest in classroom work is stimulated by the application of academic and job-related learning to workplace situations. 

• The student develops understanding, appreciation, and respect for work and workers. 

• The experience of getting and holding a job helps the student to develop a mature and realistic concept of self and to make mature decisions. 

• Receiving compensation helps the student build self-esteem and contributes to his and her economic independence (applies only to career preparation WBL methods). 

• The student’s transition from school to work is made easier. 

• The ability of the student to develop a post-high school plan for employment and/or continuing education is enhanced.  The student can achieve the Career Ready Seal of Distinction if a career ready WBL placement is successfully completed, and all criteria is met.  

For the School 

• The school can extend educational opportunities beyond its own physical and financial resources. 

• Interaction with professionals outside the school environment is provided for school personnel in the training of young people. 

• Parental involvement increases as many become involved as worksite sponsors. 

• School personnel receive expanded opportunities to keep up-to-date with changing employment conditions and future workforce demands. 

• The concept that education is indeed a community-wide partnership is demonstrated. 

For the Worksite Sponsor 

• The sponsor receives assistance from a coordinator in analyzing jobs, developing training plans, and consulting on training needs. 

• The sponsor has an opportunity to influence school curricula to more closely provide for the employee qualifications needed. 

• The sponsor takes an active role in the education and career preparation of students in its local community. 

• The sponsor has an opportunity to develop future employees over an extended “trial” period without any obligation for long-term and/or full-time employment. 

• The sponsor receives a student-learner who already possesses some of the job-related knowledge and skills needed to be a productive worker. 

For the Community 

• The number of young people making a successful transition from school to work is increased, thereby adding to the number of workplace-ready individuals who become economically productive members of society. 

• A continuing partnership of school and community businesses and other organizations is developed. 

• The community’s work force and economic stability are improved by enhancing local students’ employability skill sets.