Students & Families

Defined by ISBE as a type of Career Development Experience for high school students who have completed extensive school-based preparation relating to an identified area of career and academic interest in the Individual Learning Plan. Internships are usually one-time experiences that should lead to course credit and could be paid or unpaid. It is connected to classroom learning and accompanied by structured reflection activities. Students participating in internships should be guided by a formal, written training plan that defines specific academic and workplace skills to be mastered (Work-Based Learning Manual, 2022).

"Registered apprenticeship program" means an industry-based occupational training program of study with standards reviewed and approved by the United States Department of Labor that meets each of the following characteristics:

1) Apprentices in the program are at all times employed by a company participating in the program.

2) The program features a structured combination of on-the-job learning supported by related technical classroom instruction, delivered either by a high school or a public community college.

3) Apprentices in the program are paid a training wage of not less than the State minimum wage, which escalates throughout the life of the apprenticeship, and employment is continued with the company following the conclusion of the apprenticeship for a period of not less than 2 years.

4) Apprentices in the program earn an industry-related occupational skills certificate and a high school diploma.

5) Apprentices in the program may earn postsecondary credit toward a certificate or degree, as applicable.