A Work Experience is a Career Preparation activity in which a student is at a worksite doing real work for pay. The student is held to the same expectations as all employees and is evaluated by the worksite supervisor based on workplace expectations and performance.

Work experiences range from regular, paid employment in summer and/or year-round jobs to subsidized employment and learning-rich work experience. They include both found jobs and those arranged by the school or program. There are also a range of education and training linked work experience program types defined at the state and federal levels (See State and Federal Work Experience Fact Sheet).

• Promote hands-on, real-world experience in a field of interest.
• Provide productive value for the employer.
• Offer opportunities to develop, practice and demonstrate employability skills.
• Build occupational knowledge.
• Create awareness of the education needed to be successful in the industry.

• Enable students to practice and prepare for work, potentially in an area of career interest.
• Help students develop the Top 10 Core Employability Skills.
• Build knowledge about the education and training needed for a particular job, career path and advancement in the industry.

• Classroom preparation, including research on the industry and participating businesses.
• Employer orientation and support.
• Opportunities to reflect upon the experience verbally and in writing.

• Individual career development/training plans.
• Future work-based learning activities.
• The student’s next steps.

Quick tips for Work-Based Learning Coordinators* to ensure successful Work Experiences

*In New York State, this includes certified work-based learning coordinators and others who facilitate, arrange and support work-based learning activities for students.