Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning links education to the workforce, and includes apprenticeships, internships, or career technical education (CTE) classes. This partnership benefits students as they finish their education and transition from a classroom to a career.

Through work-based learning, students develop employability skills such as cooperation, understanding, and motivation. These skills will help students as they search for post-graduation employment opportunities. Students receive a head start in developing career awareness and work-related habits (Why Does Employer Engagement Matter?, pg. 7). Because each student can discover their own areas of interest, work-based learning encourages them to finish school.

Employers benefit through hiring individuals that are prepared for a workplace environment and require less training. According to a survey by the Urban Institute, 80% of businesses that sponsor apprenticeship programs found that the program was effective. The same survey found that 94% of these businesses would recommend apprenticeship programs to other companies (Wilson and Mehta, 2017, pg. 3). Also, work-based learning allows individuals to find careers that best fit their interest, which will improve worker engagement and efficiency. As of 2017, thirty-five U.S. states have programs which support work-based learning (Wilson and Mehta, 2017, pg. 3). Work-based learning allows communities to come together and increases productivity for the local economy.  Because communities will have a trained, available workforce, the unemployment rate will decrease.

Hands-on learning is a major component of preparing students for their future careers. Although some training is required for any job, work-based learning programs offer skills development and learning that is more effective than other programs. The positive results of work-based learning are seen through engaged students, productive industries, and efficient communities.