Work-Based Learning Experiences help you connect what you’re learning in school with real-life jobs and potential careers. These experiences can occur in-school or after school. Work-based learning experiences allow you to learn about and try different jobs. Work experience includes unpaid job placements, where people explore a variety of jobs, as well as paid placements that offer more in-depth experience in particular jobs. In some cases, student placements can lead to permanent jobs after finishing school.
Work-based learning experiences may include:
Youth Apprenticeships – combine classroom and workplace experience to provide opportunities to try out crafts or trades
Job Shadowing – walking with an employee on the job to learn aspects related to the job
Career Mentorship – working with a mentor to provide guidance or advice on careers
Informational Interviews – informal conversation with someone working in a career area/job that interests you
Paid and Non-Paid Internships – temporary position with an on-the-job training emphasis
Service Learning – community service integrated with classroom instruction and reflection
Student-Led Enterprises – school-based enterprises that produce goods or services for sale or for use by others
Simulated Workplace Experience – work based learning activities that simulate work environments in any field
Paid and Non-Paid Work Experience – opportunity to explore careers and nature of work through first-hand exposure to the workplace
Volunteering – donating time or efforts for a cause or organization, typically a non-profit organization
Workplace Tours/Field Trips – field trip to observe specific work sites in order to learn about the business, meet employees, and ask questions
Pathways - Work-Based Learning Programs from Pathways to the Future on Vimeo.