Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning (WBL) is a proactive approach to bridging the gap between high school and high-demand, high-skill careers in Tennessee. Students build on classroom-based instruction to develop employability skills that prepare them for success in postsecondary education and future careers. Through experiences like internships, apprenticeships, and paid work experience, juniors*, and seniors (16 years or older) may earn high school credit for WBL experiences. WBL coordinators are educators who are trained and certified by the department to coordinate these WBL experiences for students.

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WBL is an opportunity for students to be released from school early to go to work and start gaining some real-world work experience – and get school credit! You can have a paid part-time position, an unpaid internship or both. We try to relate your work experience to your long-term career goals, but you can also get WBL credit if you just have a general part-time job. This is a wonderful opportunity to begin building your resume while still in high school. You may also work on-campus as an office aide, teacher intern, or a school-based enterprise.
In order to apply for the Work-Based Learning program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old and a junior* or senior.
- Maintain 90% attendance, good discipline records, and be on target to graduate.
- You must pass all of your classes to be released from school early.
- Provide your own dependable transportation to/from WBL placement.
1. GO TO WORK. For each release period, you must work number of hours indicated below. Classroom instruction may be in the form of online assignments. Other work hours may be after school, during school hours, and/or weekends.
Ex. 1 WBL period = related classroom instruction for 2 periods per week (may be online assignments)

2 WBL periods = total of 5 hours/week

3 WBL periods = total of 10 hours/week
1. PROVIDE PROOF OF HOURS WORKED. Your WBL Coordinator will need some proof of your work hours. TBD by each school and WBL Coordinator
2. WORK EVALUATIONS. Your supervisor will complete performance evaluations throughout the year that will serve as major grades.
3. COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS. Your WBL Coordinator will have assignments for you to complete throughout the school year. The PLP packet, portfolio, and exit survey are state-mandated assignments that must also be completed.
*Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the program. Students will be placed in a scheduled class.
You can take up to three periods of WBL each school year in your junior and senior years*. Under special circumstances, you may take additional periods of WBL with the permission of the district CTE Supervisor. See your school counselor to discuss this option.

*Some MCPS campuses only allow students to participate in WBL during the senior year.
The purpose of WBL is to help students find their future career. Students can have a paid job and an internship related to their career goals.
All students participating in WBL must have a job or related internship. See your WBL coordinators for help securing a placement.
Yes! You are allowed one job change with the coordinator's permission. You also must provide a two-week written notice of your resignation to your employer and have an approved placement lined up.
WBL Child Labor Law Overview
Contact your school’s Work Based Learning Program Coordinator or your school counselor.