- Single, clear and statewide definition of various work-based learning experiences.
- High-quality career awareness and exploration beginning in the elementary and middle grades.
- Funds to support deployment of all activities at the state, regional, and local levels.
- Development and dissemination of a state framework for work-based learning.
- Non-elective graduation credit for approved work-based learning experiences.
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Abstract:
This planning guide is designed as an interactive tool for initiating or expanding the alignment between existing career and technical education (CTE) and apprenticeship programs.
Publication Year
2017
This planning guide is designed as an interactive tool for initiating or expanding the alignment between existing CTE and apprenticeship programs. It provides a blueprint for state, regional, and local administrators leading efforts to transform CTE and apprenticeship linkages across a state or community. The blueprint begins with defining the potential impact that CTE and apprenticeship alignment will have for students, employers, and communities. The process then moves to developing a plan of action tailored to the needs and readiness of state or local programs. Once a plan is in place, partnerships are developed with institutions, employers, and agencies who then help in defining and designing the program. Customizable tools and templates are provided that allow users to adjust each resource to fit their unique needs.
While the steps, tools, and resources in this guide are valuable to anyone interested in strengthening the potential intersection between CTE and apprenticeship programs, this resource is targeted at two distinct groups of users. The first includes state leaders of education and workforce training systems seeking to improve the alignment of secondary CTE and apprenticeship programs. The second includes education and training providers who are interested in working with regional or local employers or industry groups to expand the role of CTE in preparing high school students for apprenticeships.
Benefits and Uses
State, regional, and local administrators can use the customizable tools and templates to improve the alignment of secondary CTE and apprenticeship programs. Education and training providers can also use the tools with regional or local employers or industry groups to expand the role of CTE in preparing high school students for apprenticeships that fit well within the context of federal, state, and local efforts to build seamless career pathways that align and integrate education and workforce development programs.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
This policy brief presents a comprehensive policy approach to providing high-quality work-based learning experiences that prepare participants for postsecondary and workforce success in high-demand occupations.
Publication Year
2018
High-quality, work-based learning opportunities can confer a number of benefits — not only for students, but also for schools, employers, and communities. Because high-quality work-based learning opportunities integrate applicable academic concepts and state standards and evaluate a student’s mastery of key employability skills, students can reap greater benefits from quality work-based learning programs than they can from traditional teen employment opportunities.
In the absence of state policies providing structures and funding for work-based learning programs, there can be disparities in program access from one district to another. Fewer than one-third of states have adopted policies regarding secondary student work-based learning, according to the National Skills Coalition. As of April 2017, 14 states had policies governing pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeship programs for high school students, and 11 states had policies governing other secondary student work-based learning.
To ensure wide and equitable access to high-quality work-based learning experiences designed to prepare participants for postsecondary and workforce success in high-demand occupations in their region or state, a comprehensive policy approach should include the following components:
What the experts say
Work-Based Learning Model: Policy Components is an excellent resource for state, regional and local entities looking to outline policy considerations for a work-based learning system that includes adult learners. It is well written, concise, and superiorly organized, making it easy to read and understand.
Current and well-sourced information is provided from the work-based learning field covering multiple scenarios that educators might encounter in building a work-based learning program. The combination of content and concrete examples of collaboration across state, local, employer and charitable organizations make it a must have resource for work-based learning planning and implementation.
Resource Notice
This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites.
Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
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Abstract:
Adult education is not a feeder system—it is a foundational workforce partner. In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, this webinar will spotlight how adult education programs are advancing Registered Apprenticeship through IET models, contextualized instruction, and strong employer engagement. Hear real-world examples of programs that are aligning instruction with industry needs, removing barriers for adult learners, and creating seamless transitions into apprenticeship and family-sustaining careers. Discover actionable steps to elevate your program’s role in apprenticeship partnerships. Original webinar date: April 29, 2026 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/VmMdQ95JtG0 Important links:Public Access NRS Adult Education Data: Home | National Reporting System
Michigan Center of Data Analytics: Michigan Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2032
U.S. Employment Projections: Employment Projections Home Page : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Finding Your State Apprenticeship Contact: State Offices | Apprenticeship.gov
Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate: LEO - Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificates (MARC)
Michigan Adult Education: www.michigan.gov/adulteducation
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Abstract:
As workforce needs shift and career pathways evolve, integrated education and training (IET) and apprenticeship models offer powerful tools for helping adult learners access high-demand jobs. But how do programs move from planning to full-scale implementation and ensure these pathways are equitable and accessible for English learners? In this webinar, we will explore how adult education programs are building and expanding IET and apprenticeship pipelines through cross-sector collaboration, employer partnerships, and digital tools that support language and literacy instruction. Speakers will share real-world examples, highlight common roadblocks, and offer actionable strategies to increase access, improve learner outcomes, and meet workforce demand. The needs of special populations, including internationally trained professionals will be explored. Whether you’re designing a new IET program or looking to take an existing model to the next level, this webinar will provide practical insights and replicable strategies for building programs that work for both learners and employers. Original webinar date: September 30, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/ElfsK9XYugU https://youtu.be/ElfsK9XYugU
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Abstract:
During this webinar, we will explore and develop models for accelerated English language pre-apprenticeships that provide ELL/AEL populations with on-ramps to growth-sector, work-based learning programs. You will hear directly from expert apprenticeship practitioners about the demand for qualified apprentices and how adult education programs can help to build a pipeline of students for opportunity and advancement. Original webinar date: August 21, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/indbu3TJvgk
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Abstract:
As a bridge between classrooms and careers, the U.S. adult education system is a driver of economic mobility for 1.5 million adult learners each year, at least half of whom are English language learners (ELLs). Yet even with this commitment and capacity to connect adult learners with career pathways, English proficiency remains a core barrier to workforce inclusion: The U.S. is meeting the educational needs of just 4% of adult ELLs. Scaling access to effective language instruction is urgent, and adult education is an important part of the solution. Join veteran linguistics researcher Dr. Katie Brown, founder of EnGen, in a science-based, solutions-oriented discussion about how a proven approach—contextualized, career-aligned language upskilling—can help more adult learners meet both educational and career goals. Original webinar date: November 30, 2022 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/FOMwTIBKSsc
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Abstract:
In September of 2022, Sam was an unemployed, 23-year-old ex-offender residing in a rural community, with many hurdles and few opportunities. He discovered Learning Alliance (LAC), a workforce training institute that offers accelerated pathways to high-wage skills through a job search. Just two months later, Sam has multiple industry certifications under his belt and is employed as a cell tower technician with a base hourly wage of $22, overtime pay, full benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Sam is one of nearly 1,000 students who graduate from LAC each year and are placed into high-quality jobs, either before or within weeks following graduation. Sam’s story is not unique. Nearly 75% of LAC students are from underserved populations, justice-impacted, veterans, and/or not college-bound. Almost all are living in poverty. In this webinar, you will discover: *how Learning Alliance leverages apprenticeship pathways and employer, community, and education partnerships to connect adult learners to the middle class through a student-centric model; *why the telecom industry is one that should top the list for adult learners seeking an accelerated option to family-sustaining careers; and *how adult education providers can partner with Learning Alliance to create a seamless transition for their program completers into a fully supported pre-apprentice or apprenticeship program. Original webinar date: November 18, 2022 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/3b3wQ8SZ0ng
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Abstract:
Learn what modern registered apprenticeship really is, how it functions, why it is a very viable career path for anyone in almost any occupation, and how to prepare for RA opportunities. Original webinar date: November 17, 2022 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/q6sXokcY9Tg