12.5 Work-Based Learning Experience

Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) use the workplace or real work to provide knowledge and skills while developing connections and future career opportunities. These opportunities are meant to engage, motivate, and augment skill-building, so it is essential that direct employer or community involvement is a component of the WBLE. WBLEs can be with private or public or with for-profit or non-profit businesses in the community. If paid, it must be a competitive wage (to the extent competitive wages are paid to others without disabilities). In addition, WBLEs require an evaluation of acquired work relevant skills.

A WBLE may include:

• Apprenticeships (not including pre-apprenticeship or registered apprenticeship)

• Career mentorships

• Career-related competitions

• Informational interviews

• Internships (paid or unpaid)

• Job shadows

• Practicums

• Service Learning or volunteer experiences

• Simulated workplace experiences

• Work experiences (paid or unpaid)

• Workplace tours

Paid work experience training is a service provided in a competitive and integrated employment setting in which the individual performs real work while receiving wages for all time spent on the job. Individuals participating in paid work experiences shall be compensated at the prevailing state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. The allowable reasons for paid work experience shall include at least one of the following outcomes for the trainee:

1. Job skills training which results in the acquisition of occupational skills.

2. An opportunity to demonstrate competitive employment skills.

3. An opportunity to try out employment accommodations.

4. Completion of internships/externships which culminate in the receipt of an occupational or academic degree, certificate, or endorsement.

5. The opportunity to gain work experience in an employment field or occupational area.

6. To establish a current work history.

Community-Based Work Experience involves a vendor finding, developing, and securing a work-based learning experience in a competitive and integrated employment setting in which the identified employer pays the wages for the recipient of this service for the entire time spent on the job.