What is Work-Based Learning?

I think Work-Based Learning is the best kind of spark for young minds. Through experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, and co-ops, students are able to take the skills they are building in their classrooms out into the real world.

Work-Based Learning students get to "test drive" a job to see if they want to make it their first career. If that experience confirms their career choices, students are well on their way to meeting their goals. If their test drive doesn't inspire them to continue on that path, it's still a victory. Work-Based Learning, especially experiences that rule out career choices, can save students years of their lives and thousands of dollars pursuing a college degree in a pathway that doesn't help them meet their life goals.

Work-Based Learning has the power to light a fire in students' bellies and drive them to dream of a successful life after high school, and I'm honored to help my students dream big.

who can do work-based learning?

• Any Greenville County high school student, especially juniors and seniors, can apply for a Work-Based Learning experience. There are some limited Work-Based Learning options for elementary and middle school as well.

• High school students who are NOT enrolled in one of the district's Career and Technical Education programs can apply for paid internships through the LaunchGVL partnership with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce.

• Students in a CTE program at their high schools can apply for LaunchGVL internships or request help from their CTE instructor or Work-Based Learning Coordinator to find an opportunity in their career pathway.

• Students who ARE enrolled in one of the district's four Career Centers, such as Bonds, are strongly encouraged to pursue Work-Based Learning opportunities. Eligible Career Center students can apply for internships outside school hours their sophomore and junior years through their instructors and Work-Based Learning Coordinator.

• Career Center students may also apply for LaunchGVL internships. Bonds Seniors are eligible to apply for co-ops, which allow them to report to an Upstate business up to four days a week during their "Bonds time." That earn-while-you-learn opportunity is a privilege, not a right, and students must meet eligibility requirements in order to remain in their co-ops. Click on the Students and Parents tab to learn more about these opportunities.

work-based learning formats

The State of South Carolina recognizes ten forms of Work-Based Learning, but in my role with Greenville County Schools, my primary focus is 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)

• Youth 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

Potential business partners can learn more about Work-Based Learning here.