HIGH-QUALITY WORK-BASED LEARNING

WBL experiences reinforce Virginia’s 5 c’s—critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creative thinking, and citizenship—by allowing students to apply these skills in a real-world business or service-oriented work environment the Virginia department of education (VDOE) recognizes 12 high-quality WBL experiences.  Virginia’s career and technical education (CTE) programs include the following components: 

• Classroom Instruction— is the essential component for students to master the academic and technical competencies, attitudes, and work ethic necessary for career success and lifelong learning

• Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)—organizations that provide experiences that reinforce and strengthen classroom learning and prepare students for individual responsibility, teamwork, and leadership in their chosen career pathways

• High-Quality WBL experiences—opportunities for students to apply and refine knowledge, attitudes, and skills through professionally coordinated and supervised work experience directly related to career goals.

Connecting Students and Employers

Students, as part of their academic curriculum, may participate in a Work-Based Learning experience, provided they are in good academic standing, are meeting course content, have no attendance issues, and have teacher recommendations. Before a student can participate, a Training Agreement and a Training Plan must be on file with the coordinator of the Work-Based Learning experience.

As part of the experience, employers provide students with hands-on, real-world experience involving sustained, meaningful interactions with industry professionals. Under the guidance of adult mentors, students learn to solve problems and meet employers’ expectations. The employer may engage with a student for one week to several months and the learning experience may be paid or unpaid at the employer’s discretion.

Interested business and industry partners should complete the form here.

Questions can be directed to Kristine Hill, Supervisor of Secondary Instruction.  She is located at the King George County School Board Office and can be reached at (540) 75-8615 or by email at khill@kgcs.k12.va.us.