Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning is a vital part of career development.  The GDOE encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities they have to experience the real world of work.  Work-based learning experience affords students the opportunity to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply to real workplace situations.  These opportunities vary in the ways they are structured and operated and in their intensity and duration.  Standards and Guidelines for Work-Based Learning Programs in Georgia is a manual that can assist local administrators, instructors, teachers as advisors, and guidance counselors in providing information that can be used in the career planning process.  Currently, Georgia students have the following work-based learning experiences they can utilize:

• Career-related field trips
• Job shadowing
• School-based enterprises/school-sponsored enterprises
• Entrepreneurial ventures
• Internship/practicum
• Clinical experiences
• Cooperative education
• Youth apprenticeship

It is recommended that career-related field trips, school-sponsored enterprises such as Junior Achievement, and job shadowing such as Groundhog Job Shadow Day programs are utilized at the middle school level, while the other programs are utilized at the high school level.

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