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.