Quality Work-Based Learning is:
- Designed to promote enhanced learning, skill development and workplace awareness
- Structured to be effective, safe, legal and measurable
- Supported by appropriate planning, tailored training and efficient processes
- Connected to classroom learning, individual career development plans and sequenced education, training and additional work-based learning activities
Quality Work-Based Learning is designed to promote enhanced learning, skill development and workplace awareness.
Work-Based Learning supports and enhances classroom instruction by providing a context for learning. It provides unique opportunities to practice and demonstrate new skills and assists in the development of workplace awareness. It helps build the skills required for specific occupations by exposing learners to the multiple career options available at a workplace. Work-Based Learning engages learners in their own education and skill development and provides multiple opportunities for reflection on the experience, both verbally and in writing.
Quality Work-Based Learning is structured to be effective, safe, legal, and measurable.
Work-Based Learning provides authentic and relevant “learning and doing” experiences that are safe, legal and in compliance with state, federal and local regulations. Learning objectives are met through ongoing assessment and continuous improvement activities. Systems are in place to support teachers, faculty and program staff in designing and implementing quality WBL experiences and to make it easy for employer and community partners to participate.
Quality Work-Based Learning is supported by appropriate planning, tailored training and efficient processes.
Work-Based Learning has defined services and procedures to manage expectations and foster communication among all partners. Learners are served through individualized learning plans defined for each experience and are prepared and supported throughout the experience. Part of this preparation is providing appropriate safety and health training for young workers and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities as employees. Employers and community partners receive support and training to enable their participation, and school staff are trained in how to design high-quality experiences.
Quality Work-Based Learning is connected to classroom learning, individual career development plans and sequenced education, training and workplace activities.
Work-Based Learning supports a community-wide vision and collective expectations for both academic and occupational learning. Experiences are designed to directly support academic and occupational learning, build core employability skills and provide a planned sequence of experiences that links academic concepts to real-world application. Learners are guided and supported by an individualized career development plan, where Work-Based Learning activities are sequenced and connected to the learner’s next step.
Adapted from “Creating Quality Work-Based Learning”, New Ways to Work © 1998, 2002, 2010, 2016, 2019, 2020