Work-Based Learning

What is Work-Based Learning (WBL)?

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an effective teaching approach used to engage students in real-life occupational experiences. It incorporates structured, work-based learning activities into the curriculum, allowing a student to apply knowledge and skills learned in class and connect these learning experiences in the workplace. Work-based learning provides students with the opportunity to engage and interact with employers, while learning to demonstrate essential employability and technical skills necessary for today’s workforce.

TYPES OF WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL)

Click on this image to learn more about the eight (8) types of WBL:

Service Learning
Mentoring
Job Shadowing
School-Based Enterprises
Internships
Entrepreneurship
Cooperative Education
Registered Youth Apprenticeship

To learn more, visit the Kentucky WBL Manual

I want to be paid for my WBL... which type is best for me?

Internships, Cooperative Education (CO-OP)

& Registered Apprenticeship

SCHS REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNSHIPS & CO-OPS

In order to be eligible for an internship or co-op, all students must meet the established criteria and agree to abide by the terms of the SCHS Internship & Co-op Policy.

Students may complete one of the following types of co-op placements:

Career Pathway (CTE) Co-op

- Occupation must align to workforce sectors that are associated with the student's chosen career pathway and emphasize the knowledge, skills and competencies gained throughout their coursework.
- Student must be a pathway completer (completed 4 courses in the pathway) or be concurrently enrolled in the 4th required course.
- Co-op placement may count for 1-3 credits.

Experience-Based Work (EBW)

- Has not completed a career pathway or is working in an occupation that is not aligned to the student's pathway.
- Co-op placement may only count for 1 credit (unless otherwise approved).

NEW Required WBL Forms for

2025-26 and Beyond

WBL Plan & Agreement

Transportation Agreement

Medical Authorization Form

Volunteer Background Check Form

Employer Evaluation Form

🎉 WORK-BASED LEARNING SHOUT-OUTS! 🎉

SCHS School Nutrition Department

Student Co-op: Angelica Solis Balboa, SCHS Senior

Angelica has been a wonderful asset to our cafeteria team. She comes in with her sleeves rolled up ready to go. She goes above and beyond in all her duties. Angelica is always on time, working very hard at everything she does, while always having a positive attitude and a smile on her face! She is always willing to help anyone and do whatever needs to be done. She constantly stays busy. We are very lucky to have such an amazing student worker!

– Amanda Chesser, SCHS Cafeteria Manager

SCHS Technology Department

Student Co-op: Matthew Cook, SCHS Senior

Matthew has been a great asset to my work at SCHS this year. His role has helped to ensure timely support to our students and staff when I’m out of the building or leading other projects. I have enjoyed learning from his creative ideas!

– Emily Baldwin, SCHS Computer Technician and Co-op Mentor

Chickapoo Farm

Student Co-op: Aubrey Ernst, SCHS Senior

I want to express my sincere appreciation to Spencer County High School and the FFA. This mentorship program has positively impacted both my personal and professional growth which I am so grateful for. Your commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment is evident through each interaction that I’ve had with your faculty/staff. It has been one year since Aubrey began working with me, and I am truly impressed by her character, intelligence, work ethic and kindness. I firmly believe that along with loving and dedicated parents like Aubrey’s, “it takes a village” to raise a child, and I am grateful for the contributions that your school is making in helping to do so.

- Gwen Weisenburger Runner, Owner of Chickapoo Farm

Spencer County Clerk's Office

Student Co-op: Lilly Graham, SCHS Senior

“Lilly has the best attitude and is so mature when talking to other government offices. I feel like we may learn as much from her as she will from us. We are looking forward to a great year!”

- Lynn Hesselbrock, Spencer County Clerk

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