3. Work-Based Learning (HS)

Definition: Work Based Learning

Includes activities that involve actual work site learning experiences or connect classroom learning to work. All community-based placements (paid and unpaid) are in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

• Key elements of this component include:
  • Internship: Provides students an opportunity to participate in unpaid, work based learning for a specified period of time to learn about a particular industry or occupation. In most internship situations, a workplace mentor instructs the student, critiques the performance, challenges and encourages the student to do well. It is critical to ensure that all aspects of criteria outlined by the FLSA are met to ensure that this experience is a work-based learning experience – not employment.
  • Apprenticeship: Youth apprenticeship programs are formal, multi-year programs that combine school and work based learning in a specific occupational area or cluster and are designed to lead directly into either a postsecondary program, entry level job or registered apprenticeship program. Most apprenticeship programs are developed in collaboration with the State Apprenticeship Standards Board.
  • Service Learning: Method of instruction that combines community service with a structured school-based opportunity for reflection about that service, emphasizing the connections between service experiences and academic learning. Most programs are balanced between students’ needs to learn and the recipients need for service. Students benefit from acquiring skills and knowledge, and learning civic responsibility.
  • Community Classroom: Method of instruction which utilizes unpaid on-the-job training experiences at business, industry, or public agency sites to assist students in acquiring those competencies needed to acquire entry level employment. The intent of the community classroom experience is to augment classroom instruction that can be extended into the community. It is most typically associated with ROP. It is critical to ensure that all aspects of criteria outlined by the FLSA are met to ensure that this experience is a work-based learning experience – not employment.
  • Community Based Vocational Instruction: the development of learning experiences in the community through WorkAbility and in compliance with all FLSA requirements for a work-based learning experience. FLSA Requirements for Unpaid Training:
    • a comprehensive training plan
    • activity involving the performance of work
    • planned, sequential learning occurs, resulting in skills documentation
    • youth are exposed to all aspects of the industry
    • placement provides challenging real or simulated tasks

Use this link if you have trouble accessing the Padlet resources below: https://jmartelle.padlet.org/jmartelle1/kvztamcyss4w