Skip to search Skip to main content

What is High-Quality Work-Based Learning?

Since 2018, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has included high-quality work-based learning (WBL) as one of the options for meeting state graduation requirements. To graduate, students are required to either complete: 

  • An Advanced Placement, honors, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment course; or
  • Participate in an HQWBL experience; or
  • Earn a CTE credential.

HQWBL includes school-coordinated work experiences that appeal to the student's career interests, are integrated with instruction, and are created in collaboration with local businesses.

These experiences allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. The VDOE recognizes 12 experiences. CTE programs in Virginia public schools help students become career ready through these HQWBL experiences, classroom instruction, and career and technical student organizations to further reinforce learning.

For more information about Virginia's HQWBL efforts, visit the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education's High-Quality Work-Based Learning page (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/career_technical/work-based_learning/index.shtml).

High-Quality WBL Guide

This implementation guide focuses on the 12 types of high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) methods of instruction used in Virginia, along with opportunities for students to earn one credit toward graduation in addition to any credit earned through the associated CTE course in cooperative education, internship, entrepreneurship, youth registered apprenticeship, and supervised agricultural experience for completing 280 hours of work experience and one-half credit for 140 hours of work experience in mentorship. It includes Virginia regulations and guidelines for the administration of HQWBL and provides training materials for high-quality work-based learning coordinators. School divisions should use this guide to implement HQWBL offerings locally.

Get the Guide

Resources

Learn & Earn: Explore, Connect, Succeed
An informational video presenting the 12 High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) opportunities available to students

Work-Based Learning At a Glance (One-pagers)

College, Career, and Civic Readiness Indicator (CCCRI)

VAVoyager Pilot Informational Meeting, February 7, 2022

Virginia ACTE Career Development and Leadership Seminar (2022)

Presentation and materials from the 23rd Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education (VACTE) Professional Development and Leadership Seminar (January 13–14, 2022):

Program-Area-Specific Resources

To help WBL coordinators/teachers throughout the state, program-area-specific HQWBL videos, an overview HQWBL video, and a modifiable PowerPoint presentation and script that outline the guidelines and expectations for implementing HQWBL are available. Click the links below to find your program area’s HQWBL video and the modifiable overview presentation and script.

Information Session for Virginia ACTE's Facebook Live (September 28, 2021)

High-Quality Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Virginia (PowerPoint)

General Overview: Implementing High-Quality Work-Based Learning
Agricultural Education HQWBL Opportunities
Business and Information Technology HQWBL Opportunities
Family and Consumer Sciences HQWBL Opportunities
Health and Medical Sciences HWBL Opportunities
Marketing HQWBL Opportunities
Technology Education HQWBL Opportunities
Trade and Industrial Education WBL Opportunities
Recording Wages and Hours

Use the WBL Calendar and Calculator Template to enter students' employment information.

Have Questions?

Whether it's about the site, curriculum, or services we provide, we want you to know we're here to help and answer any questions you might have. Reach out to our team!

FAQ
Contact Us
Let's find what you're looking for
Popular Links
Curricula Marketing Workplace Readiness Skills Manufacturing Training and Workshops