Revision of – Work-Based Learning FAQ

A: The question of granting credit is one of local control.  We have specific course codes for work experience courses and experiences under CTE and Special Education. Coding to CTE WBL must be tied to a CTE WBL program/CTE program of study.  We do have the Other Work-Based Learning Class and Other Work-Based Learning Experience codes but they still indicate,  “This course must be a part of a Work-based Learning Program.”

A: The WBL course codes can be found in the document, “CTE Course Codes & Clearing Endorsements” (Formerly called Appendix D) and is available on the 2020-2021 CTE Course Standards and Programs of Study web page. The WBL codes are listed together, under the heading, Career Education Foundational and Specialty.

A: Broadly, WBL should meet the following standards of quality:

Rigorous: Skill-based, and tied to measurable outcomes

Relevant: Connected to a student’s interests and to the real world of work

Reflective: Engages the student in reflection and analysis

Interactive: Providing multiple and extended opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals

Integrated: Connected with the student’s school-based curriculum and for academic credit

Note: More specific standards for WBL activities are being developed.

A: You can find information about special populations, suggested strategies, and helpful resources by visiting our Nontraditional & Special Populations web page.

A: You access the current course offerings list by clicking this link:

Work-Based Learning Supplemental Endorsement Course Offerings

A: The document Work-Based Learning Guidelines for COVID-19, as well as other guidance for supporting your students during a pandemic can be found on the Launch Nebraska website.

A: In addition to the usual benefits of community engagement, WBL decreases the skills gap between employee and job requirements, addresses labor pool demands and increases the skill level of potential employees. Employers can reduce turnover of entry-level employees through the hiring of Work-Based Learning graduates.

A:  WBL opportunities help connect student learners with employers to prepare them for success in an ever-changing workplace.

WBL helps student learners:

• Strengthen academic, technical, and career readiness (employability) skills
• Explore career options
• Enhance personal finance knowledge and skills
• Foster positive relationships with adults
• Observe all aspects of a company’s operation
• Develop an awareness of the requirements of careers so they can effectively plan postsecondary and career pursuits

A:  Some child labor law information, as well as links to other state and federal resources can be found on the Child Labor Laws page of our Workplace Experiences website.

A:  Registered Apprenticeships are innovative work-based learning and post-secondary earn-and- learn models that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies.  Registered Apprenticeship training is distinguished from other types of workplace training by several factors:

1. Participants who are newly hired (or already employed) earn wages from employers during training;
2. Programs must meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies);
3. Programs provide on-the-job learning and job-related technical instruction;
4. On-the-job learning is conducted in the work setting under the direction of one or more of the employer’s personnel; and
5. Training results in an industry-recognized credential

A:  Visit the Nebraska Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship web page for more information.

A: The six career fields represent broad sectors of the job market on which students may choose to focus.

Each career field is composed of career clusters. The clusters are more specific segments of the labor market. Each cluster is a grouping of careers that focus on similar subjects or similar skills. A basic understanding and exploration of each of the clusters will provide students with a solid foundation for career decision-making to conceptualize the entire world of work.   For more details, please review the Nebraska Career & Technical Education Model infographic, which features both career fields and career clusters, plus additional helpful information.