Work-Based Learning

Test-Drive a Career With Work-Based Learning

What is Work-Based Learning?

Work-based learning includes internships, mentoring, and apprenticeships. It's a way to test-drive a career.

Why Choose Work-Based Learning?

Work-based learning is your chance to discover things you can't learn in a classroom. It helps you connect what you're learning with real-world applications. You can get inside information about the career you're interested in or simply get a taste of what it's really like on the job.

What's Stopping You?

Don't let any of these common myths about work-based learning keep you from trying it out:

I'm too old (or too young). There are at least a dozen types of work-based learning, with choices for adults and youth (generally aged 16 and older).
I won't get paid. Registered apprenticeships and many internships come with a salary. We recommend paid internships.
I'm a student, and I'm already too busy. Students can often earn course credit for work-based learning, so you may be able to do two things at once.
I'd have to commit to something long-term. Some work-based learning opportunities are formal and last for years, but just as many are informal and much shorter.
I'm already working, so what's the point? Even if you're already working, you may still benefit from experiences like mentorship or a practicum to help advance your career or find your dream job.

Service-Learning

Service-learning programs and projects combine community service with what you're learning in the classroom.

Co-working / Projects / Applied Research

Many schools offer opportunities to participate in research, cooperative activities, and projects that give you a sense of what it's like to have a job, work on a team, and meet employer expectations.

Internships / Externships

An internship or externship gives you a chance for short-term, real-world job experience. It may be paid or unpaid and result in credit or non-credit — but it is almost always helpful when you're looking to land your first job.

Youth Skills Training

A partnership between your school and an employer to provide classroom instruction, safety training, industry-recognized credentials, or paid work experiences. This training is typically offered to 16- and 17-year old student learners in the industries of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care, and information technology.

Service-Learning

Service-learning programs and projects combine community service with coursework and give you an opportunity to employ what you've learned in the real world.

Coops / Project-Based Activities / Applied Research

Experiences and projects offered within an existing class that simulate work, productivity, and work standards.

Simulation, Clinicals, Capstone, Portfolios

Typically a short-term, individual, or group engagement that involves real-world experience, industry-focused research, and results in a presentation or other deliverable. May involve short-term experience and employment exposure, be paid or unpaid, and result in credit or non-credit.

School-Based Enterprise

Students produce and sell goods or services in a school-run operation and learn business and entrepreneurship skills.

Pre-Apprenticeship / Work-based Training

Programs that teach basic technical and job readiness skills to prepare for apprenticeships or occupations/jobs in specific industries.

Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline and Registered Apprenticeship

Allows participants to earn a salary while offering related instruction. This training results in a recognized and transportable credential.

Industry Certifications

Programs where you learn knowledge and skills, often tied to an examination, where you can earn industry-recognized credentials needed to land your first job or advance in your chosen career. May be imbedded in an academic program, provided as training, or learned independently.

Internships / Externships

You gain short-term experience and employment exposure. It may be paid or unpaid and result in credit or non-credit. Internships and externships always look good on a resume or job application.

Support for every age and stage of career development

"I haven't decided what job / career I want"

The real-world work experiences you can have with work-based learning will help you better understand your career options. With work-based learning, you:

Will be exposed to different types of jobs, employers, and types of work.
Increase your knowledge of careers — and what sort of education is needed
Experience different workplace cultures and learn what employers expect
Get to know employees and make meaningful connections at work

Getting Started
If you are in high school, talk to a career or college counselor.

If you are in college, talk to a career services advisor.

Additional Resources
Explore Careers

"I know what job / career I want"

Work-based learning gives you opportunities to gain the skills you need to meet your goals. You get the type of experience that will not only help you land your first job — but will also help you move up in that job. Work-based learning can help you:

Learn what employers expect from you — and how to prepare yourself for success
Provide evidence to recruiters and employers that you're "job-ready" and have met mandatory requirements
Gain job-specific training in your chosen industry
Put yourself on a pathway to higher wages and benefits
Earn credit for what you've already learned (Credit for Prior Learning)

Getting Started
If you are in high school, talk to a career or college counselor.

If you are in college, talk to a career services advisor.

If you are an adult learner, contact a career center.

Additional Resources
Explore career pathways (CAREERwise)
Search certification and degree programs at Minnesota State
Get support for finding a job or career (CareerForce)

"I want to take my career / job to the next level"

Work-based learning is a strategy to support continuing your education and moving your career to the next level. It allows you to:

Earn credit for what you've already learned (Credit for Prior Learning)
Get certified in programs of study needed to advance in your career
Develop new types of work experience and expand your professional network
Earn income while developing new skills and reaching your educational goals.
Gain hands-on experience in specific occupations
Become credentialed for dual careers

Getting Started
If you are an adult learner who wants to change careers, contact a career center.

If you are enrolled at a college or university, talk to a career counselor.

Additional Resources
Explore career pathways (CAREERwise)
Search certification and degree programs at Minnesota State
Get support for finding a job or career (CareerForce)

Are you interested in learning more about work-based learning?

ALSO SEE:

Introduction to
Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning
Employer's Guide

Work-Based Learning
Educator Resources