Work-based Learning
What is Work-Based Learning?
What is Work-Based Learning?![]()
What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an educational approach that combines classroom instruction with practical work experiences. This method allows students to gain hands-on experience, applying their academic and technical knowledge in real-world settings related to their career interests. WBL programs include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and other experiential learning opportunities that enable students to explore various career paths and develop essential workplace skills.
Why choose work-Based Learning?
Why choose work-Based Learning?![]()
Why choose work-Based Learning?
Choosing Work-Based Learning provides numerous benefits for students. By participating in WBL programs, students can:
- Gain Practical Experience: Students apply classroom theories in real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and skills.
- Explore Career Paths: Students can try out different careers and find their true interests and passions.
- Develop Professional Skills: WBL helps students build essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
- Network with Professionals: Students can establish valuable connections with industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future job opportunities.
- Enhance Employment Prospects: With hands-on experience and developed skills, students are better prepared to enter the workforce and significantly contribute to their chosen industries.
Benefits
Benefits![]()
Benefits
- Real-World Experience: Students gain practical experience in their chosen field, enhancing their understanding of theoretical concepts taught in the classroom.
- Skill Development: Students develop essential workplace skills such as communicating, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
- Career Exploration: Students can explore different career pathways, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.
- Networking Opportunities: Students have the chance to build professional relationships and networks that can be valuable in future job searches.
Business Involvement
Business Involvement![]()
Business Involvement
Business involvement is free and completely voluntary. However, the benefits of partnering with Career Technical Education (CTE) are tremendous. By partnering with us, your business may:
- Train Future Employees: Assist in training future employees with pertinent industry experience.
- Develop Curriculum: Provide input and assistance in developing and refining the career technical education curriculum and possible future course offerings.
- Promote Career Pathways: Promote career pathways and work-based learning for local students.
- Support CTE Programs: Support the continued existence, growth, and operations of career technical education in secondary programs.
The level of your involvement in partnering with MetroED is entirely optional. Below are a few examples of the various types of levels and partnerships:
- Guest Speakers: Share your expertise and experiences with students as a guest speaker.
- Work-Based Learning Opportunities: Offer students internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships.
- Curriculum Development: Collaborate with educators to develop and refine curriculum that aligns with industry needs.
- Sponsorships and Donations: Provide CTE programs with financial support, equipment, or other resources.
WHAT IS AN Employer ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER?
WHAT IS AN Employer ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER?![]()
WHAT IS AN Employer ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER?
- Collaborate with educational and other business professionals
- Provide insight into future employee needs and current trends
- Act as a professional resource and mentor to the teachers
- Assist in curriculum review, verification of labor market needs and placement opportunities
- Provide information to help design, update, modify, expand, and improve the quality of ROP courses
- Add support and validate CTE programs
- Help teachers deliver instruction directly related to business and industry standards
Types of programs
Types of programs![]()
Types of programs
- Internships: Short-term experiences where students work on specific projects or tasks under the supervision of a professional in their field of interest.
- Job Shadowing: Observational experiences where students follow a professional through their daily routine to gain insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a particular career.
internships
internships![]()
internships
Internships are a crucial part of career and technical education, giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experience. In the 2023-24 school year, 167 students logged 21,829 hours across 137 locations, applying their classroom knowledge in professional settings. Additionall, through a partnership with work2future, SVCTE interns from Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, Medical Science Careers, and Nursing Careers earned more than $95,000 in paid internships.
These diverse opportunities help students explore career paths, build industry connections, and prepare for the workforce. The significant hours spent underscore the commitment to career readiness, making internships a vital bridge between education and employment.
valued partners
valued partners![]()
valued partners
We are fortunate to celebrate partnerships with over 125 entities from businesses, community colleges, and non-profit organizations in Silicon Valley, ranging from City of San José to Valley Transit Authority (VTA), Tesla, NOVAworks, San Jose Job Corps, and Goodwill Silicon Valley.
metroed collaborative workforce team
metroed collaborative workforce team![]()
metroed collaborative workforce team
The MetroED Collaborative Workforce Team is a collaboration between Silicon Valley Adult Education, CalWORKs, work2future, San Jose Job Corps, and other non-profit entities working together to provide SVAE students support services including, for those eligible, assistance in:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Further training
- Childcare
- Food
- Post-secondary education
