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State Agency Work-Based Learning Definitions

Purpose 

This page provides comprehensive definitions¹ for Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs across state agencies, aligning each program type with the Colorado Work-Based Learning Continuum: Learning About Work, Learning Through Work, and Learning at Work.

Learning About Work

Activities in this stage promote career awareness and exploration, allowing participants to learn about various career paths and industries, typically through observation-focused experiences that do not require hands-on work. Participants will learn about an occupation by observing. 

  • Career Counseling and Career Planning:
    • Definition: Provides guidance to help individuals identify career interests, goals, and potential paths through discussions with career counselors or advisors.
    • Target Participants: Middle school, high school, postsecondary students, and those transitioning careers.
    • Structure: One-on-one or group sessions, sometimes as part of broader career exploration programs.
  • Career Fairs and Industry Presentations:
    • Definition: Events where employers and industry representatives showcase available career opportunities.
    • Target Participants: Students and career explorers of all ages.
    • Structure: Interactive settings that allow attendees to ask questions, gather information, and network.
  • Informational Interviews and Worksite Tours:
    • Definition: Short, structured sessions where individuals learn about specific jobs or workplaces directly from professionals.
    • Target Participants: Students and individuals exploring career paths.
    • Structure: Observational experiences that typically last a few hours, offering participants a chance to witness workplace activities.
  • Job Shadowing:
    • Definition: Short-term observation experiences where participants observe professionals in their work environment.
    • Target Participants: High school and college students, individuals exploring career paths, and those transitioning careers.
    • Structure: Participants follow professionals, ask questions, and observe daily tasks. Typically, there is no hands-on work involved, and experiences last a few hours to a few days.
  • Project-Based Learning:
    • Definition: An instructional approach where students work on projects addressing real-world problems.
    • Target Participants: Students across all educational levels.
    • Structure: Part of the educational curriculum with specific goals and deliverables. Students work individually or in teams to develop solutions, often culminating in presentations.
  • Career Exploration Activities:
    • Definition: Programs that provide broad exposure to career options, skills required, and potential career paths.
    • Target Participants: Middle school, high school, and college students, as well as those transitioning careers.
    • Structure: These may include career fairs, informational interviews, and career assessments. Activities often involve interaction with professionals and use of career planning tools.

Learning Through Work

This stage emphasizes career preparation, providing participants with practical experience through extended, hands-on interactions with professionals. Activities in this stage often support career readiness and can be integrated into academic programs. Participants will learn by doing and rarely observing.

  • Internships:
    • Definition: Structured work experiences related to a student’s program, major or career goal.
    • Target Participants: High school students, college students, recent graduates, or those transitioning careers.
    • Structure: Paid or unpaid* internships range from weeks to months, often including mentorship and performance evaluations. Review the FLSA Fact Sheet 71 rules on unpaid internships when determining the structure of your program.
  • Pre-Apprenticeships:
    • Definition: Programs that prepare individuals for formal apprenticeships, focusing on foundational skills.
    • Target Participants: Individuals seeking entry into formal apprenticeship programs.
    • Structure: Includes basic training and soft skills development, often partnered with local industry.
  • Clinical Experiences:
    • Definition: Hands-on practice in a healthcare setting for students in medical or allied health fields.
    • Target Participants: Students in healthcare-related degree programs.
    • Structure: Clinical rotations, residencies, and practicums, overseen by licensed professionals.
  • Externships:
    • Definition: Short-term work experiences where students observe and learn about a particular field.
    • Target Participants: High school, college, and graduate students.
    • Structure: Generally lasts days to weeks, providing observational insight into workplace activities with minimal hands-on work.

Learning at Work

This stage involves career training, preparing participants directly for employment through immersive, work-based experiences that occur within a workplace setting. Participants will learn by doing and rarely observing.

  • Registered Apprenticeships (RAPs):
    • Definition: Formal, structured programs recognized by government agencies, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
    • Target Participants: Individuals aged 16 and above, including those transitioning careers.
    • Structure: 1 to 6 years, with specific standards for training hours, wage progression, and safety protocols.
  • Non-Registered Apprenticeships:
    • Definition: Similar to RAPs but without formal registration. These programs offer on-the-job training and related instruction but with more flexible guidelines.
    • Target Participants: Individuals seeking hands-on experience in a specific trade.
    • Structure: Employer-defined duration, wage structure, and learning goals tailored to specific job requirements.
  • On-the-Job Training (OJT):
    • Definition: Training provided at the workplace, allowing employees to learn skills while performing job duties.
    • Target Participants: New hires, current employees, or individuals transitioning to new roles.
    • Structure: Hands-on instruction from experienced colleagues or supervisors, focusing on practical skills and immediate application.
  • Incumbent Worker Training:
    • Definition: Programs designed to enhance the skills of current employees, supporting career advancement or adaptation to new roles.
    • Target Participants: Existing employees.
    • Structure: Flexible delivery, such as workshops, seminars, or e-learning, often focusing on technical and soft skills.
  • Fellowships:
    • Definition: Competitive, merit-based programs providing advanced training and professional development in specific fields, often combining research and practical work.
    • Target Participants: Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals.
    • Structure: Typically last from a few months to several years, including projects, research, and mentorship. Fellows receive financial support and access to professional networks.
  • Employee Development Programs:
    • Definition: Company-specific training programs aimed at building the skills of employees to support career growth and organizational goals.
    • Target Participants: Current employees, often those preparing for advanced roles.
      Structure: Includes a mix of technical and soft skills training, with customized content based on organizational needs.

Resources