High-quality Work-Based Learning (WBL) comprises school-coordinated workplace experiences related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

WBL experiences reinforce Virginia’s 5 C’s—critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creative thinking, and citizenship—by allowing students to apply these skills in a real-world business or service-oriented work environment

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The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recognizes 12 high-quality WBL experiences. Virginia’s career and technical education (CTE) programs include the following components: 

• Classroom instruction— is the essential component for students to master the academic and technical competencies, attitudes, and work ethic necessary for career success and lifelong learning 

• Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs)—organizations that provide experiences that reinforce and strengthen classroom learning and prepare students for individual responsibility, teamwork, and leadership in their chosen career pathways 
   

High-quality WBL experiences—opportunities for students to apply and refine knowledge, attitudes, and skills through professionally coordinated and supervised work experience directly related to career goals