Work-Based Learning: Get Started

Gain a deeper understanding of work-based learning and access to numerous resources.

NAF’s Standards of Quality Work-Based Learning

Interaction

Outcome Driven

Preparation & Reflection

Classroom-Connected

Students have ongoing interactions with industry professionals in workplace settings through a variety of experiences.

Students discover careers of interest, make a plan to achieve their goals, develop professional skills, receive feedback on skill development, monitor their growth, and make meaningful connections with professionals.

Students prepare for each experience with guidance from their teacher and actively reflect on experiences, skills, and connections building an understanding of their progress toward mastery of Future Ready Skills and overall postsecondary/career readiness.

Students connect subject matter content with career aspirations and skills through interaction taking place in classroom-connected work-based learning opportunities provided by educators and partners.

NAF's Continuum of Quality Work-Based Learning

Awareness

Exploration

Preparation

Students are introduced to careers and pathways through short work-based learning engagements where they can interact with industry professionals in small to large groups. Career Awareness activities are appropriate for all levels of students.

Guest Speaker

Worksite Tour

Career Fair

Students continue to hone their career interests while building Future Ready Skills in one-to-one or smaller group settings with industry professionals. Students receive feedback on their skill development from industry professionals and make connections to begin their professional network.

Informational Interview

Job Shadow

Resume Coaching/Review Session

Mock Interview

Mentorship

Skills Workshop

Partner Engagement Project

Students apply their learning through immersive industry-based experiences. Career Preparation activities allow students to establish connections and build a professional network. Industry partners are more directly involved in student development and provide feedback on applied skills in an industry-based setting. Career Preparation activities are designed for junior and senior students as they build upon prior knowledge and learning in earlier work-based learning activities.

Internships

Clinical Experience

Mentored Industry Projects

Apprenticeship/Youth Apprenticeship

Resources


WBL Resource Directory A list of all work-based learning resources.
Work-Based Learning Standards Understand NAF's continuum of work-based learning activities and standards for high quality work-based learning.
WBL Key Concepts One page overview of WBL standards, the 3 outcomes of ODWBL, and the WBL Continuum.
WBL Activity Definitions A glossary that defines each work-based learning activity across the WBL Continuum (Career Awareness, Exploration, & Preparation)
Work-Based Learning Plan and Calendar Intentionally plan work-based learning activities for all students in your academy.
Work-Based Learning Tracking Spreadsheet Track WBL that occurs in your Academy throughout the school year.
Educator Development Opportunities This resource provides an overview of work-based activities educators can engage in to gain a deeper understanding of industries and career trends and how they can incorporate this information into their classrooms to support student development.