Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning (WBL) combines classroom instruction with on-the-job, career -related work experience allowing students to earn college credit while gaining industry skills. Our goal is to provide participants with the curriculum that helps them succeed and hands-on experience in the prospective workforce field.
Work-Based Learning Definitions
- Clinical Experience
Clinical experience allows health and medical sciences students to integrate knowledge acquired in the classroom with clinical practice. Students are placed in a variety of healthcare settings and observe patients at different stages of medical practice so students may better understand the scope of the healthcare profession.
- Externship
An externship is a short experience, of a minimum duration of 40 hours, where the student is paired with a working professional to observe and get a preview of the day-to-day activities involved in a career. Based on students’ interests in specific careers and/or organizations, externship experiences can help students learn more about the nature of various jobs and work environments, as well as education and training required to succeed.
An externship is an extended job shadowing experience, designed so students may ask questions, observe, and spend more time getting a feel for a workplace. While the work accomplished in the context of an externship will be important, there is no work delegated, or projects assigned such as those found in a longer-term experience such as an internship.
- Internship
An internship is an experience that places the student in a workplace environment that allows the student to develop and practice career-related knowledge and skills for a specific career field related to the student’s career interests, abilities, and goals. Internships may be paid or unpaid, are connected to classroom learning, and are accompanied by structured reflection activities. Student interns are guided by a formal, written training plan that defines specific academic and workplace skills to be mastered.
PVCC Students may use their current employer as an internship site, provided the work that is performed is related to a program of study and includes new learning experiences and objectives. Students participating in internships can choose to apply to take a coordinated internship course, which allows them to earn academic credit for their internship experience.
- Job Shadowing
Job shadowing places students in workplaces, either in person or virtually, to interact with and observe one or more employees in a work environment. Based on a student’s interest in a specific career and/or organization, a job shadowing experience can help the student learn more about the nature of the job and the work environment, as well as the education and training required to succeed.
Job shadowing experiences are sometimes the first opportunities for students to observe the workplace and to interact with employees for more in-depth exposure to both careers and workplaces. Student job shadowing may be in person, virtual, a one-on-one interaction, or a group experience. Students may participate in several job shadowing opportunities, enabling them to compare careers and workplaces of interest.
- Mentorships
Mentorship is an experience consisting of a long-term relationship focused on supporting the growth and development of a student as they learn about a particular industry and workplace. The student is paired with a community professional who has a recognized record of achievement and first-hand experience in the occupational field or career cluster of the student's choice. The mentor becomes a source of guidance, motivation, wisdom, teaching, role modeling, and support. The knowledge, advice, and resources shared depend on the format and goals of the mentoring relationship. Mentor support can provide a wide range of personal and professional benefits, which lead to improved performance in the workplace. Mentorship requires student preparation, including career exploration, prior to the experience.
Mentors are encouraged to provide the student with as much hands-on experience as possible and to provide a broad view of the business/industry as well as routine tasks and challenging opportunities. A mentorship may be completed on a one-on-one, small group, virtual, or hybrid basis.
- Micro-Internships or Project-based Internships
A Micro-Internship or Project-Based Internship is a short-term, paid, professional assignment that is similar to the type of work typically given to a new hire or intern. These opportunities generally last 20 to 40 hours total and are completed in person or remotely over a few days to a few weeks. Due to the short timeframe, students will support the mission of an organization by engaging in a defined project.
- Pre-Apprenticeships
A Pre-Apprenticeship is a program that prepares students for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP). Pre-apprenticeships typically last a few weeks to months and may or may not be paid.
- Registered Apprenticeships
All Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) should be undertaken in consultation with Virginia Works’ Division of Registered Apprenticeship. RA is a career-preparation method that is industry driven. Employers can develop high-quality career pathways to prepare their future workforce. Individuals can obtain paid work experience, occupation-specific instruction, mentorship, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
RA programs combine on the job training with related technical instruction, which provides occupation-specific knowledge relating to the profession. RA training is based on national industry standards and can be customized to the needs of the employer. Apprentices are paid employees of a company and receive pay increases as they meet benchmarks for skill attainment. Apprentices must be paid at least the state or federal minimum hourly wage (whichever is higher).
Upon completion of an RA program, the apprentice receives a nationally recognized credential which consists of a completion certificate and journey worker card. The credential signifies to employers that the journey worker is fully qualified in that occupation.
Work-Based Learning Tracking System (WTS)
Virginia’s community colleges are working to increase paid internships and apprenticeships by 25% by the year 2030. With the new Work-Based Learning Tracking System (WTS), students and employers can connect to engage in valuable work-based learning opportunities.
The WTS serves as a centralized hub where students, employers, and PVCC can explore opportunities, build partnerships, and track work-based learning experiences.
- For Students
With the new WTS, students can explore existing college programs, employer opportunities, and connect with PVCC to start the process of obtaining a work-based learning experience.
Through WTS, students can:
- Explore career pathways related to their program of study
- Search for internships and apprenticeship opportunities
- Connect with employers and college staff
- Track and manage their work-based learning experiences
- For Employers
With the new WTS, employers can explore existing college programs, post approved opportunities to students, and connect with PVCC to establish a partnership.
Through WTS, employers can:
- Partner with PVCC to create work based learning opportunities
- Post internships and work-based learning opportunities
- Connect with students across Virginia’s community colleges
- Develop talent pipelines aligned with industry needs
Post Opportunities and Partner Through WTS.
Resources for Employers
In partnership with the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Virginia TOP (Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership) offers resources and support for employers to develop and enhance internship programs.
For further guidance on creating or improving an internship program, refer to A Blueprint to Develop Quality Internship Opportunities.