Work Based Learning (WBL) offers unparalleled opportunities for students to gain real-world experiences, develop skills that are important in the workplace, and learn directly from industry professionals. These opportunities can be especially impactful when they align with a student’s passions and interests. Oftentimes, high school students are limited to understanding jobs and careers that they have seen on television or within their family or social circle. Because of this, many interesting jobs and careers are left undiscovered. 

Looking beyond traditional 9-5 office jobs for WBL experiences can help students find opportunities that are interesting to them and spark motivation and inspiration for learning and growth. Considering out-of-the-box ideas for WBL can help to open up students’ eyes to the vast number of opportunities that exist and widen their knowledge and experience base in an effort to inform future decision making. And, exploring these less-common experiences can be a crucial way to support students who are seeking a nontraditional career path–increasing overall engagement and student success. 

Think Local

Each community has unique organizations and industries that are specific to their regional needs and interests. These businesses can range from seasonal hot-spots to off-beat, niche enterprises that reflect a community’s personality. Helping students to connect to these organizations can increase community pride and relationships, provide businesses with a pipeline of trained, local talent, and offer students a greater understanding of unconventional pathways. 

Here is a list of WBL opportunities that might exist within your community or surrounding areas, and reach out to business owners to discover what experiences might be available for high school students. Encourage students to connect with business leaders, too, to inquire about what they do and what type of support they need. These conversations can lead to connections and opportunities that offer students just-right fits for their WBL experiences and future plans. 

Use this list of WBL ideas, that are grouped by student interest and economic sector, to inspire your thinking and planning:

Sports and Adventure 

• Local Sports Teams (Including Minor League)
• Aquatic Centers 
• Video Game Design or VR Content Creation Firms 
• Convention Centers
• Golf Courses
• Sports Medicine Doctors
• Sports Reporters at Local News Outlets

Arts, Audio/Video Technology, & Communications

• Music Festivals
• Concert Venues
• Performing Arts Centers 
• Community-Based Theater Groups
• Local Museums
• Local Artisan Space
• Local Newspapers 
• Podcasts

Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources

• Community Parks & Recreation Organizations
• Farms, Urban Farms, and Nurseries
• Botanical Centers and Arboretums 
• Wildlife Conservation Centers 
• Power Companies with Alternative Energy Divisions
• Municipalities with Environmental-Impact Offices

Government & Public Administration 

• Government Offices 
• Political Campaigns 
• School District Offices 
• Public Health Centers 
• Legislative Affairs Offices within Community Colleges or Companies
• Historical Sites and Locations

Supporting Students’ WBL Experiences 

Assisting students in deciding where to seek a WBL placement depends on factors of scheduling, transportation, and interest. Ensuring that a student’s schedule provides time (usually at the end or beginning of the school day) for them to work on-location at a regular cadence is important. Students fortunate enough to have their own transportation have a greater geographical range to consider. Students relying on public transportation can be encouraged to look at businesses within walking distance of home or school, along bus routes, or placements that allow for evening or weekend presence. Schools can assist students in these matters by providing guidance on student reduced or free public transportation provided in many communities or by allocating Perkins funding to pay for transportation when the WBL experience is classified as a Career and Technical (CTE) course.

Finding ways to support students’ WBL experiences is critical for a successful college and career readiness culture. These engaging and hands-on experiences can pique students’ interests in certain careers while also developing practical skills such as critical thinking, leadership, communication, professionalism, work ethic, flexibility, and organization–all of which transfer to a plethora of other industries and roles. Connecting students to these less typical opportunities can create pivotal experiences that inform students’ future plans while strengthening the overall community.