Work-Based Learning (WBL)

🗣️ Guest Speaker

What it is: An industry professional visits the classroom to share career insights, personal experiences, and answer questions.
Purpose: Sparks interest, builds awareness of career paths, and connects classroom learning to real-world jobs.
Student role: Listen, ask questions, and reflect.

🚌 Industry Site Visit

What it is: A student group visits a workplace to observe operations, ask questions, and see professionals in action.
Purpose: Exposes students to work environments, tools, and roles in a specific industry.
Student role: Observe, engage with professionals, and reflect on careers of interest.

👀 Job Shadow

What it is: A one-on-one experience where a student follows an employee through their day.
Purpose: Offers an up-close look at a job’s daily responsibilities and skills required.
Student role: Observe, ask questions, and reflect on fit and interest.

🧭 Mentorship

What it is: A structured relationship between a student and a professional who provides career guidance over time.
Purpose: Supports career development, builds soft skills, and creates a trusted connection.
Student role: Set goals, engage in conversations, and act on mentor feedback.

🧩 Client-Connected Project

What it is: Students work on a real-world problem or challenge provided by an industry partner, often as part of a class.
Purpose: Develops critical thinking, collaboration, and technical skills while solving authentic problems.
Student role: Create and present solutions, receive feedback from professionals.

💼 Internship

What it is: A temporary, structured work experience (paid or unpaid) where students perform actual job tasks.
Purpose: Provides hands-on experience, builds employability skills, and strengthens resumes.
Student role: Contribute meaningfully to the workplace while learning from supervisors.

🛠️ Pre-Apprenticeship

What it is: A program that prepares students for entry into a registered apprenticeship, often including technical instruction and workplace experience.
Purpose: Builds job-specific skills and links to long-term training and employment.
Student role: Engage in both classroom and hands-on learning to prepare for a future career in a skilled trade.

🧹 Part-Time Job

What it is: Paid employment outside of school, often in retail, food service, or entry-level roles.
Purpose: Teaches responsibility, time management, and basic workplace skills.
Student role: Maintain a work schedule, follow directions, interact with customers, and manage tasks.

🛠️ On-Campus Job

What it is: Paid or unpaid work at school (e.g., helping in the library, office, or with custodial staff).
Purpose: Builds soft skills in a familiar setting and provides supervision from school staff.
Student role: Complete assigned tasks, practice professional behavior, and manage time responsibly.

👨‍🔧 Summer or Seasonal Job

What it is: Temporary employment during school breaks.
Purpose: Provides a chance to earn income, develop transferable skills, and gain experience in customer service, teamwork, and accountability.
Student role: Work independently or on a team, follow employer policies, and grow workplace confidence.