Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a part of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. It is an opportunity for all students, including students with a disability, to learn technical and employability skills. The purposes of WBL is for students to develop career awareness, explore careers and prepare for specific occupations. WBL in a state-approved program is different than, for example, a summer or part-time job that a student might apply for independently and without the involvement of the school district. See link below for a description of “Secondary CTE Quality Work-Based Learning Experiences.” For more information on CTE, read What is Career Technical Education?, and A Guide to Understanding CTE.

CTE-WBL is one type of experiential learning activity for secondary students ages 14 through 21. A wide range of experiential learning activities, such as job shadowing, work-place tours, informational interviews, and guest speakers from industry may be part of a district’s career and college readiness programming for all students from pre-kindergarten through graduation.

In WBL programs, students focus on learning the skills within one of Minnesota’s six career fields the Minnesota Career Wheel and can be accessed by students starting as soon as age 14 and continue into ‘super senior’ programs (ages 18 to 21) until graduation. WBL opportunities are developed at the district level in partnership with regional employers and are matched to students’ assessed and expressed interests and abilities. WBL opportunities must be in competitive, integrated employment. The need for a student to participate in WBL can be determined by the Individual Education Program (IEP) team and is documented on a student’s IEP.

As with all state-approved WBL programs, the 000750 program which serves students with a disability who are 16-21 years old, requires a Minnesota Professional Educator License and Standards Board licensed work-based learning coordinator (160000 license or other CTE teacher license which embeds coursework in work-based learning) with a special education license as well. (See the link to Table C below for details regarding appropriate licensure). State program approval also requires submission of a syllabus for the required career seminar (including safety topics, a review of child labor law and student leadership activity elements) and the identification of an advisory committee for the program. Advisory committees are comprised of at least 50% membership from business and industry, and take an active role in shaping the career pathways curriculum and program. Work Experience Career Exploration Programs (WECEP) program code 000755 are for students aged 14 and 15.

Work experiences can be paid or unpaid (depending on Minnesota Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) criteria (US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Fact Sheet #71. If paid, the work experience must pay at least minimum wage (the higher of state and federal minimum wages). CTE-WBL requires a training agreement between the employer, school, the student and the parent(s) or caregiver(s), as well as a training plan that details the scope and sequence of the education objectives (employability and technical skills to be mastered). For more information on establishing a WBL Program, see the document titled “A Reference Guide to Minnesota Work-Based Learning Programs” below or visit MDE Program Approval page.

WBL can be an integral part of preparing students for careers and postsecondary education experiences. (See link to Postsecondary Guide, and the Employment Resource Guide under related offsite resources.) WBL is an excellent vehicle for helping students to learning employability skills which are transferable to future employment opportunities. For an employability skills framework that can be used by the WBL coordinator to structure the foundational skills portions of a training plan, read Integrating Employability Skills: A Framework for All Educators.

For information on aid for contracted services and special equipment under "Access to Career Technical Education for Students with a Disability" (ACTE-SPED), contact MDE's work-based learning coordinator.

Minnesota Career and Technical Education Resources

Minnesota SkillsUSA, a state student leadership organization supporting Health Science programs to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MNACTE), a professional organization for CTE teachers/leaders offering state and national support, training and resources.

Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)—Data Center is a useful website for teachers and business/industry professionals to stay current on regional labor market needs and employment trends that can impact CTE programs.

•  - 7/11/18