Check your diploma requirements that you are pursuing.  It is a requirement for some of the seals. 

Yes. Every experience needs a training plan. This is an IN Department of Education policy. 

Work-based learning will only affect a student’s grade or GPA if it is part of a course in which they are enrolled. If the work-based learning experience is embedded within a class, it may be graded as part of that course.

Work-based learning will only affect a student’s grade or GPA if it is part of a course in which they are enrolled. If the work-based learning experience is embedded within a class, it may be graded as part of that course.

Students can have a maximum of three experiences. Each experience must be at least 25 hours and can be accumulated across their high school career.  

For employers, it’s a practical way to bring students into your workplace and introduce them to your industry. Work-based learning is structured, scalable, and a key part of Indiana’s new high school graduation requirements, which recognize hands-on vocational training as a vital path to student readiness and success.

The Indiana Department of Education defines work-based learning (WBL) as sustained ongoing interaction between students and industry professionals in real or simulated workplace settings. These experiences provide authentic, hands-on learning opportunities that help students build knowledge, skills, and career-ready competencies. Work-based learning is intentionally connected to course standards and training goals and is evaluated to ensure students meet those expectations. Each WBL experience requires a written partnership agreement and plan involving the student, parent or guardian, school, and employer partner. 

There are many advantages, but here are a few:

• Build your future workforce.

• Develop relationships with potential employees early.

• Increase awareness of careers in your industry.

• Support your local community.

• Bring fresh ideas and perspectives into your workplace.

Many employers discover future interns or employees through Work-Based Learning.

There are many options at each level of work-based learning. 

Explore - Level 1

• Industry Tours

• Career/College Fair

• Career Conversations

• Industry Panel

• Equipment Donation

Engage - Level 2

• Career Shadows

• Mock Interviews

• Skills Coaching

• WBL/PBL Projects

• Focused Field Experiences (our students visit you)

Experience - Level 3

• Work-Based Learning

• Internships

• Apprenticeships

• Teaching

• Workplace Simulation

• School-Based Enterprise

There are many options at each level of work-based learning. 

• Each level of work-based learning is different from a 25 minute career conversation to hosting an intern. 

Each work-based learning experience must include a training plan that is signed by the student, parent, employer, and school representative.  

The link below is a WBL Training Plan that can be used in most circumstances. If you are in a NLPS Capstone, or other experience where the "Competency Alignment and Skill Tasks" do not align with the experience, we'll need to create an individualized plan. 

Link to Training Plan 

If a student is using the experience for work-based learning hours, then it must have a training plan.

Yes. Depending on the experience and applicable labor laws, students may complete meaningful projects and contribute to your organization. The responsibilities are determined collaboratively between the employer, school, student, and family. 

Some are paid, while others may be unpaid when permitted by law and school guidelines. We can help determine what option best fits your organization and complies with current regulations. 

Our team helps with:

• Student recruitment

• Matching students to opportunities

• Required paperwork

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Regular check-ins

• Evaluations, when applicable

You're never expected to manage the program alone.

Our goal is to minimize this through exposure through our K-12 program. We want students to be exposed to as many organizations as possible prior to them doing work-based learning. We encourage open communication. If concerns arise, we'll work with you and the student to resolve them quickly. If needed, we can adjust or end the placement. This doesn't happen often, as we try to match students to the business' needs. 

Almost any organization can participate. Every industry has a story to tell. Every industry needs future workers. 

That's perfectly fine. There are different levels of engagement. Whether you can host one student for a day (Career Shadow) or mentor (Internship) throughout the year, every experience helps students discover future possibilities. 

Yes. Student experiences must follow school policies, state and federal labor laws, and workplace safety requirements. Our staff will guide you through any necessary documentation and expectations before students begin. Please ask questions before a placement. 

Yes :) That's the point of this :) 

Yes! Our 4E Day (Employ, Enroll, Enlist, Entrepreneurship) Career Exploration Day is a great day to bring your crew.