Welcome to the Work and Learn Resource Hub

Internships

Internships take a lot of different forms and serve a variety of purposes depending on the level and background experience of the intern. Internships are not just part time work, although generally designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain work experience.

Work experiences or internships are planned, structured learning experiences that take place in a workplace for a limited period of time and are typically for individuals who are new to an industry or occupation. Work experience or internships may be paid or unpaid and must follow all state laws and regulations in the Fair Labor Standards Act (see U.S. Department of Labor, Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act). Work experience or internships may be within the private for-profit sector, the nonprofit sector, or the public sector. Work experiences and internships may also include (but are not limited to):

• Summer employment and other employment activities available throughout the higher education school year
• Internships and job shadowing
• On-the-job training
• Workplace simulations
• Adult Education’s Workforce Education Initiative (WEI) and Integrated Education and Training (IET) Experiences (see Indiana Adult Education)

At the secondary level, students that have not participated in CTE programs may complete internships that are more focused on career exploration and/or making connections to relevant core courses. Students that have participated in CTE courses may participate in an internship embedded into a course or through a capstone experience and generally focuses on the application of technical skills learned in their CTE programs.

Micro-Internships:

Micro-Internships are a cross between job shadowing and a full-fledged internship. Micro-Internships are more project based short-term exposures to industry. These experiences may be more of a trial run, in secondary,only running 15-20 hours, at the postsecondary level this may run for 1-8 weeks.

School Based-Enterprises/Workplace Simulation

A school-based enterprise or workplace simulation is a real or simulated business, usually conducted on the school site, as a component of a course. Students create and operate an economically viable venture that replicates a specific business or industry and generates revenue for the CTSO or school. Workplace simulations tend to be more in-depth and more closely mirror an actual workplace setting in terms of facilities, equipment and operations and include networking opportunities with industry professionals and interactions with paying customers or clients.

Comprehensive Work Experience Programs

Comprehensive Programs are training provider or employer-driven, "earn while you learn" model that combines on-the-job training (OJT) with job-related instruction in curricula tied to the attainment of industry-recognized skills standards and certificates. Comprehensive programs are planned, structured learning experiences that combine classroom learning with paid internships may be within the private for-profit sector, the nonprofit sector, or the public sector. Pre-Apprenticeships require an additional articulation agreement.

Comprehensive Programs are training provider or employer-driven "earn while you learn" model that combines on-the-job training (OJT) with job-related instruction in curricula tied to the attainment of industry-recognized skills standards and certificates. Comprehensive programs are planned, structured learning experiences that combine classroom learning with paid and/or meaningful hands-on experience. These experiences may be within the private for-profit sector, the nonprofit sector, or the public sector. Pre-Apprenticeships require an additional articulation agreement.

Comprehensive Pre-Apprenticeship programs include all of the following elements:

• Related Instruction;
• On-the-Job training (OJT) / Meaningful Hands-on Experience;
• Mentoring/Coaching opportunities;
• Industry-recognized skills standards and/or Indiana promoted certificates list; and
• Articulated pathway into an active U.S. DOL Registered Apprenticeship program.

ABA Grant TA Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Quality pre-apprenticeship programs can play a valuable role in preparing qualified entry-level workers for Registered Apprenticeship careers while contributing to the development of a diverse and skilled workforce. For the purposes of the ABA grant, pre-apprenticeship programs must include the following five elements:

• Designed in collaboration with a RAP sponsor;
• Meaningful hands-on training that does not displace paid employees;
• Facilitated entry and/or articulation agreement;
• Sustainability through partnerships; and
• Access to appropriate supportive services.

Certified Earn and Learn (SEAL)

State Earn and Learn (SEAL) program is another comprehensive industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce. Participants can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. SEAL programs are certified by the State’s DWD Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship.

U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeship is a comprehensive national training system that combines paid learning on-the-job and related technical and theoretical instruction in a skilled occupation. Registered Apprenticeships offer jobseekers immediate employment opportunities that typically pay higher wages and offer continued career growth. Certifications earned through Registered Apprenticeship programs are recognized nationwide as portable industry credentials. The primary apprenticeship certification is a Certificate of Completion, awarded at the end of a successfully completed apprenticeship program. Many programs also offer interim credentials and training certificates based on a competency model that leads to a Certificate of Completion (see U.S. DOL Apprenticeship Programs).

Modern Youth Apprenticeship

A specific state-certified program that integrates school based and work-based learning to instruct students in employability and occupational skills. These programs often extend over the course of two-three years.

Pre-Apprenticeship

A Pre-Apprenticeship is a specific type of youth apprenticeship opportunity that is articulated to a registered apprenticeship program. Pre-Apprenticeship programs may be eligible for additional funding if certified by the Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships (OWBLA).