Work-based Learning

Work-based Learning involves students spending time in the workplace, increasing their skills and/or knowledge in an area related to their career goals. These are valuable activities that can help you explore careers, prepare you to make good college and career choices, and add experience to your resume. If you are interested in participating in a Work-Based Learning activity, read the information in the “Guides and Forms” below each WBL activity.

Melissa - job shadowing at Verizon

Job Shadows - a student accompanies a high tech employee throughout a workday to learn about their career and industry.

• Typical length of the activity is one day
• Job Shadowing Guides and Forms

Internships - a student works for an employee for a period of time to learn specific skills within the that business or industry. Employers train and oversee the intern throughout the internship.

• The experience is generally 60-90 hours in length for students
• Internship Guides and Forms

Mentorships - a relationship between a student and a business professional whose role is to support the student's academic and professional development.

• Typical length of a mentorship varies

Company Tours - a group of students and/or teachers spend time at a worksite touring the facility and gaining an overview of the business and its information systems.

• Typical length of a tour is 2 - 4 hours

Presentations - industry experts share their knowledge with students at the high schools in individual classes, career fairs, and assemblies. Go to your career center to find our about upcoming events.

• Typical length of speaking engagement is 1 - 6 hours.

DigiGirlz High Tech Camp - girls spend a week during the summer at Microsoft learning about the high tech industry, exciting careers, and Microsoft culture by touring various departments, hearing speakers, and participating in hands-on activities. Check with your Career Specialist in the Spring for more information.

Don’t take our word for it! Take a look at what students, teachers and employers are saying about all that the Work-based Learning has to offer. For more information about Work-based Learning, talk to your school Counselor or Career Specialist.