Work-based learning (WBL) is an educational strategy that provides students with real-life work experiences where they can apply academic and technical skills and develop employability skills. The concept of work-based learning has been in practice for centuries and is an integral part of the Career and Technical Education system. Work-based learning experiences occur in a work setting, typically at an employer's worksite. The work-based learning activities are coordinated with school-based activities in an attempt to show students the "why" of what they are learning. Work-based learning strategies provide career awareness, career exploration opportunities, career planning activities, and help students reach competencies such as positive work attitudes and employability skills.

For more information on work based learning, please refer to the WBL Toolkit. 

Types of Work-Based Learning

• Apprenticeship
• Business/Industry Field Trip
• Cooperative Education
• Entrepreneurial Experiences
• Internship
• Job Shadowing
• Mentorship
• School-Based Enterprise
• Service Learning

Experience More NC — Navigator Site

The Navigator is a free, first-of-its-kind, online tool to lead the way in connecting education to career. The platform brings together members of the business, education, and workforce development communities in a space where they can post, search for, and measure work-based learning opportunities. These opportunities are experiential learning activities ranging from guest speaking roles to apprenticeships, posted by businesses and used by educators and members of the workforce communities.

Hope Street Survey on WBL

In Fall of 2018, Hope Street Group launched a survey on work-based learning. The survey included 23 unique questions. Throughout the Fall, 693 participants took the survey online. 18,931 responses and 444 comments were collected through online participation.

Career Development Coordinators (CDC) support Career and Technical Education (CTE) and coordinate career development services for students participating in CTE. The CDC works collaboratively with administrators, student services personnel, and teachers to ensure the delivery of career development services. CDCs facilitate linkages with parents, business/industry, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations to support students' transition to postsecondary education and employment.

The CDC responsibilities incorporate the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, National Career Development Guidelines, the National Model for School Counseling Programs and Future-Ready Students For the 21st Century. Specific Career Development Coordinator responsibilities include:

• Career Development
• Preparatory Services
• Transition Services
• Partnerships
• Professional Development

Links

Coalition for Career Development 
NC Business Committee on Education
NC School Counseling 
NC Commerce: Labor & Economic Analysis Division (LEAD)
US Careers Online Video Gallery
Career One Stop