What is Work Based Learning?

What's the Definition of Work Based Learning?

Work-based learning is a term that applies to a broad array of learning experiences, from career awareness and exploration to career development and application. For the purposes of this manual, work-based learning is defined as learning activities that take place in the workplace or in the school in collaboration with the community to provide a service or produce a product that meets industry standards. The successful design and implementation of WBL experiences require the collaboration of education and business and industry stakeholders.

Work-based learning can include a number of different activities, which can be arrayed along a continuum from short-term introductory experiences to longer-term more intense ones, including paid work and formal training. Activities such as job shadowing, community service/ volunteering, career-focused research projects, school based enterprises, and community-based work programs are considered career awareness and exploration experiences. Clinical experiences (in health sciences programs) and the registered WBL programs are examples of career exploration, development, and application activities. All of these WBL experiences enable students to observe and experience the knowledge, skills, and training needed to succeed in a specific career pathway.

Examples of Work Based Learning include:

• School Supervised Internships/Work Experiences for High School Credit
• Community Based Non-credit Internships/Work Experiences
• Job Shadowing
• Community Service & Volunteering
• School Based Enterprise (i.e. School Store Mane Attraction or Dollar Cafe)
• Career Focused Research Project

How does West Islip High School engage students in Work Based Learning?

As the School District Transition Coordinator, one of my roles has been to develop a Business Advisory Board. Our program is called the Career Lions and our emphasis is to develop a school/business partnership toward establishing Work Based Learning Partnerships.

For more Information about the Career Lions visit our website below:

West Islip Career Lions

How does my son/daughter get involved in Work Based Learning Activities?

If your son/daughter is interested in getting involved in work based learning they should visit my office, e-mail r.vollmuth@wi.k12.ny.us or call (631) 504-5902

Your son/daughter may also register as an interested individual by visiting the Student Career Lions Registration Page or exploring the West Islip Career Lions Website

How can I get involved?

We welcome any parent or business person to get involved with our West Islip Career Lions. Interested individuals can register at West Islip Career Lions Employer Registration Page or exploring the West Islip Career Lions Website