Work Based Learning

Quality work-based learning programs benefit the students, employers, schools, and the community.

Benefits for Students

  • Students benefit from work-based learning through:

  • application of classroom learning (both academic and technical) in real-world setting

  • establishment of a clear connection between school and work

  • assessment of their interests, aptitudes, and abilities while learning about the career possibilities available to them

  • improvement of their postgraduation employment opportunities

  • development and practice of positive work-related habits and attitudes including the ability to think critically, solve problems, work in teams, and resolve issues

  • assessment and understanding of the expectations of the workplace

  • establishment of professional contacts for future employment

  • expansion and refinement of their technical skills

  • participation in authentic, job-related tasks

  • observation of the demeanor and procedures of workplace professionals

  • increased motivation/appreciation for staying in school

  • awareness of postsecondary education opportunities

Benefits for Employers

Employers benefit from work-based learning through:

  • a pool of skilled and motivated potential future employees

  • improved employee retention

  • reduced training/recruitment costs

  • developmental opportunities for a current workforce

  • development of new projects with student assistance

  • involvement in the curriculum development process

  • an opportunity to provide community service

Benefits for Schools

Schools benefit from work-based learning through:

  • expanding the curriculum and learning facilities

  • exposing students to state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and techniques

  • meeting the needs of diverse student populations

  • individualizing instruction for students

  • promoting and fostering faculty interaction with the business community

  • enhancing faculty/staff development efforts

  • making education more relevant and valuable to students

  • increasing student retention rates in schools

  • reducing overcrowding by utilizing off-campus learning sites

  • providing an alternative to building additional classrooms and laboratories to accommodate growth

Benefits for the Community

The community benefits from work-based learning through:

  • creating an environment of collaboration and cooperation among the school, the employers, and the community

  • encouraging respect, tolerance, and understanding among different groups

  • contributing to building a more productive local economy

  • fostering confidence in the school system as practical and beneficial results are observed


WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

All career and technical education courses in North Carolina offer work-based learning opportunities for students. Course recommendations for work-based learning opportunities are highlighted at the bottom of each of the course descriptions.

  • Apprenticeship: a system of skilled occupational training that combines practical work experiences with related academic and technical instruction.

  • Business and Industry Field Trip: a short-term visit to a business or agency expands the learning opportunities for participating students.

  • Cooperative Education: a method of instruction where technical classroom instruction is combined with paid employment that is directly related to the classroom instruction.

  • Entrepreneurial Experiences: involves students developing knowledge and proficiency in running a business. Students gains work-place skills and develops and understanding of how to manage a business and is responsible for all risks.

  • Internship: a work-based learning experience where a student participates in the daily operations of a work site under the direct supervision of a business mentor.

  • Job Shadow: a short-term (usually a half day) educational experience that introduces a student to a particular job or career by pairing the student with an employee of a business, industry, or agency.

  • Mentorship: involves pairing a student (mentee or protégé) with a community professional (mentor) in a one-to-one relationship with the intent of providing first-hand experience in a career field/cluster of the student’s choice. S

  • School Based Enterprise: a simulated or actual business conducted by a school that creates a student learning experience that creates direct links between the classroom learning and the world of work. S

  • Service Learning: a work-based learning strategy that combines community service with career and technical learning goals. Students provide volunteer service to public and non-profit agencies, as well as to civic, charitable, and governmental organizations in the local community.