Work-Based Learning (WBL)

Engaging in WBL Experiences

Work based learning experiences help to expose and engage students in post-secondary career pathways so they are more engaged in planning for their futures. Schools and districts are committed to building and strengthening relationships with businesses to enhance programming and learning aligned to the demands of industry and business. Contact Sami Mooney, education consultant with CDE and the Colorado Workforce Development Council, [email protected].

Work-based Learning Continuum

Work-based learning (WBL) programs are instrumental in building quality career pathways that enable students and job seekers to secure industry-relevant skills, experiences, certifications, and credentials, as well as to advance to higher levels of education and employment. See the WBL website produced by the Colorado Workforce Development Council.

Visit your local workforce center.

Job seekers receive services, such as:

Access to Businesses and Opportunities
Career Counseling and Counseling
Resume Writing Skills
Online job search
Job Fairs and Events
Interviewing Skills
Labor Market Information
Education and Training

Learn about Sector Partnerships

Business leaders from the same industry and market region gather to discuss needs - often related to workforce and talent development.

Spotlight: Northern Colorado Manufacturing

Program Descriptions (See page 3)

Promising Practices for Work-Based Learning

Jeffco Public Schools

Work-based Learning is based on the WBL Continuum. Students have the opportunity to learn about work through mentorships, guest speakers, interviews, job shadows and worksite tours.
Students learn through work in internships and pre-apprenticeships, and they learn at work through CTE, Careerwise, and executive internships.

St Vrain Valley Schools

Read about St Vrain School District’s ICAP in the ICAP blog about WBL

Westminster Public Schools

The Westminster Public Schools Annual Hiring Fair was virtual in June 2020.
Learn about the district's Future Center.

Canon City Schools

“The Canon City Schools Pathways Program is a three-year curriculum designed to inject relevance and engagement in learning, and to prepare students for postsecondary education and the workforce…
The Pathways Program purposefully restructures our 1,050 student high school into smaller learning communities and creates viable lanes from high school, to college and to professional careers.”