Information: Work-Based Learning: Home

What is Work-Based Learning?

Work-based learning (WBL) provides students with real-life work experiences where they can apply academic and technical skills in a workplace environment. Work-based learning deliberately integrates theory and practice and acknowledges the intersection of explicit and tacit forms of knowing.

Work-based learning encompasses a diversity of formal, nonformal and informal arrangements including apprenticeships, work placement and informal learning on the job. At ACCE, we have categorized work-based along a continuum:

Work-Based Learning Successes / Audio
Audio for the #ACCE19 presentation by Cynthia Bennett, Vice President, Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce (GA), Joshua Monge, Director of Economic Development, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce (OR), and Dinah Becton-Consuegra, Director of Partnership Development, PBLWorks
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Learning doesn’t just have to happen in the classroom. When people have the chance to be immersed in a specific work environment, they build real-world skills and understanding. Hear about the different ways chambers are approaching internships and apprenticeships.

Career Exploration Webinar / Boulder Economic Council Slides
Slides for the presentation by Corine Waldu, Senior Director of Economic Vitality, Boulder Economic Council (CO) (Nov 9, 2020)

Chambers Engaging in Work-Based Learning

Midlands Youth Apprenticeship Program
Columbia Chamber of Commerce (SC) Midlands Youth Apprenticeship (MYA) is a program designed to help create a talent pipeline for area businesses while creating a viable workplace path for students after high school. It is enhanced by a partnership with Midlands Technical College.
Collier Leads
The Greater Naples Chamber (FL) and Leadership Collier Foundation work together to support Collier Leads, a collaboration between Southwest Florida’s major educational institutions and local businesses that create high-quality internship and work-based learning experiences for both businesses and students.

L.A. Youth at Work Program This link opens in a new window
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (CA) trains and certifies young adults to become work-ready through its L.A. Youth at Work program, which includes a multi-step process that seeks to jumpstart the future careers for L.A. area youth. The program serves several thousand youth each year through its Job Skills Workshops. The chamber then connects students who have successfully completed a workshop and mock interview process to internship and job opportunities in the region.

Missouri Apprentice Connect
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce in 2020 to provide a new service matching employers with aspiring apprentices. The partnership is working to increase apprenticeships in the tech, healthcare and education fields.
Pathways to Prosperity
York County Economic Alliance (PA) initiative that provides a one-stop shop to learn about local employment opportunities, trainings, employer resources, small business growth and career exploration.

Chambers as Bridge Builders

Bridge Builders: How Intermediaries Can Connect Education and Work in a Postpandemic World
Strada Education Network and Lumina Foundation released a joint report which explores the important role of intermediaries, like chambers of commerce, to provide leadership and connect learners, workers, educators, employers and policymakers to create partnerships to address big community challenges. (Dec 7, 2020)
Lumina Foundation
Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all.

Developing a Work-Based Learning Program

Below are a few other resources that you might find helpful as you are developing your work-based learning programs.

Work-based Learning Tool Kit: Engaging Employers
Employers are critical partners to engage in the design and implementation of work-based learning at both the state and local levels. This tool kit from the U.S. Department of Education gives tips on how to engage employers in this work.
Employer’s Guide to Work-Based Learning Activities
Minnesota Department of Education (2010) - These fact sheets were prepared to assist employers in the development and operation of work-based learning experiences and to help answer common questions that arise when students use worksites to enhance their learning.

Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning during COVID-19

Advancing Equity & Opportunity

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What is Work-Based Learning?

Chambers Engaging in Work-Based Learning

Chambers as Bridge Builders

Developing a Work-Based Learning Program