Work-Based Learning (WBL)
Explore Careers Beyond the Classroom!
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work in a career you’re interested in? Work-Based Learning (WBL) gives students opportunities to explore careers, connect with professionals, and gain real-world experiences outside the traditional classroom.
Whether you’re interested in healthcare, engineering, business, technology, skilled trades, or another career field, Work-Based Learning can help you discover your interests, build valuable skills, and make more informed decisions about your future.
Three Ways to Get Involved
Internships
Gain hands-on experience at a real workplace, learn from professionals, explore career interests, and earn elective credit while building skills for your future.
Job Shadows
Spend time observing a professional in their workplace to learn what their job involves, what skills they use, and what a typical workday looks like.
CTE Field Trips & Events
Visit workplaces, meet industry professionals, explore college programs, and participate in special career-focused events.
Internships
Internships are an incredible way to gain real-world work experience while you’re still in high school! Students have the opportunity to explore different career paths, develop professional skills, and learn more about fields they’re interested in.
Internships can also be a great addition to your résumé and college applications, helping you stand out by demonstrating initiative, experience, and career exploration.
Internship Eligibility & Requirements
To participate in an internship, students must:
- Be a junior or senior (with summer opportunities available for eligible students entering their junior year).
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA or a counselor recommendation.
- Have reliable transportation to and from the internship site.
- Complete any required prerequisite classes, which vary by internship.
- Meet with Alex Lott, Skyline’s Work-Based Learning Specialist, and complete an internship application.
- Attend a required 2-hour district orientation.
Earn High School Credit Through an Internship
Students who successfully complete an internship can earn 0.5 high school elective credit. To earn credit, students must:
- Complete 40 hours at their internship site.
- Complete the accompanying Canvas internship course.
The Canvas course connects classroom learning with the internship experience and includes activities related to résumé building, interviewing, professional communication, public speaking, and creating a LinkedIn profile.
When Can I Complete an Internship?
Internships are available during fall semester, spring semester, and summer. Students entering their junior year may also complete an internship during the summer between sophomore and junior year.
Students may participate in internships up to two times, provided each internship takes place at a different site.
Not a junior or senior yet? You can still start preparing! Visit the Career Center to learn about internship opportunities and find out which prerequisite classes you may want to take.
Interested in an Internship?
Start by reviewing the internship application and meeting with Alex Lott in the Skyline Career Center. She can help you explore available internship opportunities, understand requirements, and determine your next steps.
Job Shadows
Curious about a career but not quite ready to commit to an internship? A job shadow gives you the chance to observe a professional at work and see what their career is really like.
Job shadows can help you learn about daily responsibilities, workplace environments, professional skills, and the education or training needed for a particular career.
Job shadowing is a great way to explore your interests, ask questions, and decide whether a career might be a good fit for you.
Interested in Job Shadowing?
Stop by the Skyline Career Center and talk with Alex Lott, our Work-Based Learning Specialist. She can help you learn more about job shadowing opportunities and how to get involved.
CTE Field Trips & Career Events
Throughout the school year, Skyline students have opportunities to participate in career-focused field trips and events that connect classroom learning to the real world.
These experiences may include workplace tours, industry demonstrations, college program visits, hands-on career activities, and opportunities to meet professionals working in different fields.
Career events are a great way to explore industries you may not know much about, make connections, and discover exciting opportunities for your future.
Upcoming Work-Based Learning Events
Interested in seeing what opportunities are coming up? Explore our list of upcoming Work-Based Learning field trips, career events, and other experiences.
To sign up for an event, stop by the Skyline Career Center and speak with Alex Lott. She can provide event details, explain any requirements, and help you register.
Be sure to check back throughout the school year, as new Work-Based Learning opportunities may become available!
Questions About Work-Based Learning?
Whether you’re interested in an internship, job shadow, field trip, or upcoming career event, Alex Lott is your go-to person for all Work-Based Learning opportunities at Skyline!
Alex Lott
Work-Based Learning Specialist
Skyline High School
Email: atlott@graniteschools.org
Phone: 385-646-6833
Students are always welcome to stop by the Skyline Career Center to speak with Alex about available opportunities, upcoming events, applications, or any other Work-Based Learning questions.
