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What is High Quality Work-Based Learning?

The image is a colorful pie chart depicting various work-based learning experiences, including Apprenticeship, Internship, Entrepreneurship, Externship, School-Based Enterprise, Mentorship, Clinical Experience, Cooperative Education, Job Shadowing, and Service Learning, all arranged in a circular layout against a bright blue background.

High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) includes opportunities for students to apply and refine knowledge, attitudes, and skills through professionally coordinated and supervised work experience directly related to career goals. HQWBL is comprised of school-coordinated workplace experiences that are:

  • related to students’ career goals and/or interests

  • connected to a course, and

  • performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

HQWBL experiences enable students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world business or service-oriented work environment. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recognizes 12 HQWBL experiences, such as internships and externships. 

For more in-depth information on HQWBL, please visit the Virginia Department of Education website. 

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