Work-Based Learning Experiences

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a teaching method that combines classroom education with real-world workplace experiences to help individuals build career awareness, technical skills, and professional competencies. Through WBL experiences, participants apply academic and technical knowledge in genuine work settings while gaining insight into career options and workplace expectations.

WBL experiences are usually created through partnerships among education providers, workforce programs, and employers. These experiences can differ in length—from brief career exploration activities to long-term workplace training—and are designed to foster both learning and job readiness. WBL may encompass job shadowing, career exploration activities, internships, cooperative education, clinical experiences, school-based enterprises, service learning, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships.

Work-Based Learning Experiences are one of the five required pre-employment transition services outlined in the Rehabilitation Act, as amended by WIOA, 34 CFR 361.48(a), that are designed to:

• include in-school or after-school opportunities, or experiences outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that are provided in an integrated environment in the community to the maximum extent possible, and
• strengthen opportunities for students, including those with the most significant disabilities to practice & improve workplace skills in competitive integrated work settings before exiting secondary education, and throughout post-secondary training, when applicable.

In accordance with 361.48(a), work-based learning experiences may include:

• Job shadowing
• Practicum
• Service learning
• Career mentorship
• Informational interviews
• Workplace tours/field trips
• Volunteering
• Student-led enterprises
• Internships (paid and unpaid)
• Paid and non-paid work experiences (where paid WBL experiences are provided, the wages are to be paid at no less than minimum wage)