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Students created this video as part of the Success Bound challenge. Visit successbound.org for more information.

Understanding Work-Based Learning

Federal law defines work-based learning (WBL) as “sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution that fosters in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.” 

Beginning as early as grade 9, students should accumulate 250 hours of work-based learning aligned to their programs of study, Ohio graduation requirements for the class of 2023 and beyond, or the student success or graduation plans. Students may accumulate hours through six types of work-based learning experiences.

  • Job Site Placement and Internship

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship

  • School-Based Enterprise

  • Remote or Virtual Placement

  • Simulated Work Environment

Learn more about Ohio work-based learning pathway options and guiding principles by exploring the Ohio Department of Education's overview sheet.

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Tax Credits for Employers of CTE Students

Senate Bill 166 allows businesses to earn a tax credit when providing work-based learning experiences for CTE students nineteen years of age or younger. Employers providing new or current work-based learning experiences may be eligible for this tax credit if the experience is associated with a student enrolled in an approved career technical education pathway. Eligible employers may receive $5,000 per eligible employee or 15% of wages paid (whichever is less) to an eligible employee.

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Work-Based Learning Resources