Work-Based Learning: For Educators

Prepare for WBL

Preparation and planning are key in delivering impactful work-based learning. Explore NAF's work-based learning resources as you prepare students and partners for work-based learning engagements.

6 Future Ready Skills

Student development of the 6 Future Ready Skills is an essential element of NAF’s outcomes-driven approach to work-based learning, along with clarifying career aspirations and building professional connections. These 6 skills were carefully selected after working with MHA Labs to build upon their thorough research and holding conversations across the NAF Network. By developing these skills through work-based learning activities and receiving feedback from professionals, students will be positioned for success in the world of work today and tomorrow.

CCR vs WBL

Explore the differences between College and Career Readiness activities and Work-Based Learning as well as what makes WBL unique.

Planning for WBL Part 1

Explore elements of planning impactful work-based learning, understanding where to begin when building work-based learning programs and identifying implementation resources.

Planning for WBL Part 2

Dive into the work-based learning cycle and develop a work-based learning calendar that fits specific needs of your academy.

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Help Students Discover Career Interests

Student Aspirations Template

Template for students to brainstorm and keep track of careers of interest

Student Activity: Personality & Career Exploration

This student activity has students complete a personality test and connect their results to possible career options.

Roadtrip Nation

Visit Roadtrip Nation's site for stories and tools to help you find your career path.

Build Career Readiness Skills

Featuring: KPMG LLC & Lenovo

The Future Workforce: AI and Your Career

With the introduction of AI, the world of work is changing fast. To prepare, you'll need to learn new skills and find creative ways to use the ones you already have. Join our exciting webinar to hear from knowledgeable panelists who will share their AI workplace experience and valuable insights on future-proof skills you'll need to thrive in a world where AI is part of everyday work.

Student Skills Self-Assessment

Template for students to evaluate their development of the 6 Future Ready Skills.

Student Professional Development Resources

Links to videos, articles, and other sources students can view and use as they development their Future Ready Skills

Featuring: KPMG LLC & UnitedHealth Group

The Art of Personal Branding for Future Success

Explore The Art of Personal Branding for Future Success with experts from KPMG LLC & UnitedHealth Group (UHG). Learn how to market yourself, build a compelling online presence, and how to set yourself up for success in internships, college, and future careers. Quick tip: You can hover over chapter segments to see timestamps and chapter titles. You can also share links to specific chapter segments by clicking on the Chapters icon located at the bottom right-hand corner of the video player.

Student Activity - Solving International Challenges

This activity has students explore various cultures to widen social awareness and practice problem-solving by creating solutions to avoid cultural clashes.

SkillsBuild Online Course

Students can earn a digital badge for completing the Job Application Essentials modules built by NAF and IBM.

STEMS Careers Coalition

Student-facing modules built by NAF and Discovery Ed to build your professional identity and understanding networking.

Grow Your Connections


Social Capital Resources Explore resources including articles, research, and videos about social capital - what it is, key research findings, and how to help students build it.
Video Social Capital: The Power of Relationships Come on a quest to learn about how who you know matters and ways to build your social capital to help you achieve your goals. Brought to you by NAF and Search Institute. Huge thanks to students Deepthi, Emma, Jacari, and Reuben and NAF alumnus Joey S. for their feedback and contributions during the production process and to Ms. Hewes' classes at Smyrna High School Academies of Finance and Business Information Management for their suggestions on the script.
Student Connections Template Template for students to compile and update a list of their professional contacts
Student Activity - Interviewing Career Professionals In this activity, students will be interviewing individuals with connections that might be helpful to their future career aspirations.
Student Activity - Close By Connections In this activity, students will gain knowledge about what connections are and help them connect to people in their community that could have a positive effect on their futures.