Definitions for Work-Based Learning

Not sure what our work-based learning lingo means? We’re here to help explain these processes and ideas for our business community so that you feel comfortable opening your doors to work-based learning opportunities.

The following list of definitions is intended to help explain the many, different work-based learning tools and activities available.

As always, feel free to reach out to our NoCo Inspire team if you have any further questions.

An employer-driven form of onboarding that combines on-the-job training as a paid employee with related classroom instruction.

This increases an employee’s skills level with wages and builds an employer’s talent pipeline to assure a steady flow of highly trained, retainable employees.

Also known as a “Job Fair” or “Career Expo,” an event in which employers, recruiters and schools give information to potential employees and students and learn about available career opportunities.

On or off location professional engagement through a presentation of occupational and career pathway information.

Experiences for health science students to provide opportunities to interact with clients in a healthcare setting. Settings may include outpatient locations such as offices or clinics, inpatients settings such as hospitals or community settings such as long-term care.

Initial experience may help to confirm students enjoy working with patients. Used later in training, these experiences help fine-tune patient care skills.

Educational credit for paid or unpaid work experiences in which academic and career-related skills are or have been learned.

The use of labor market research and industry expertise to inform counseling, learning and career planning.

A process in which the employee, with the support of her/his employer, undergoes various training programs to enhance her/his skills and acquire new knowledge and skills.

A temporary training program in a workplace, especially one offered to students or teachers as part of a course of study or work.

A meeting that the jobseeker or student initiates with an individual who is working in a career of interest.

The interview is set to gather information on the field, occupation or organization of interest and to expand the professional network of the jobseeker or student.

A planned and structured training experience that is used to develop an intern’s work or professional skills and build their network.

A paid or unpaid experience over a limited period of time. Jobseekers or students may or may not receive academic credit for the internship.

An opportunity for students or jobseekers to observe, discuss and participate in the daily routines and activities of a particular job in order to help them be more confident, aware and better prepared to make a career decision.

A formal or informal relationship established between an experienced, knowledgeable employee and an inexperienced or new employee.

Mentoring can also assist an employee, new to a specific job or area of responsibility, to quickly learn what they need to know to succeed in their job and role.

An interactive experience that allows students or jobseekers to observe and investigate activities related to a specific industry and career development objectives.

Also known as an industry tour, career road trip, worksite tour, field trip or field experience.

Training that is given to a paid employee while she or he is engaged in productive work, which provides knowledge and skills essential to full and adequate performance on the job.

A program of coursework designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a recognized apprenticeship program.

A teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem or challenge.

This also may be referred to as a Capstone Project.

A teaching and learning activity that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection, designed to enrich the classroom education, teach civic responsibility and strengthen communities.