Work-Based Learning 101: A Resource for Industry

What is Work-Based Learning (WBL)?

WBL reinforces academic, technical and social skills through collaboration with industry partners. Early WBL
activities include industry tours and classroom speakers. More advanced activities may include job shadows and
industry-led project-based learning.
Ultimately, students may participate in capstone WBL experiences such as apprenticeships, internships, clinicals,
and practicum experiences for credit through a Career Practicum course.
Why is WBL needed in Tennessee?
55-65 percent of job openings will require some postsecondary education by 2025, but only 39 percent of
Tennesseans are on track to meet this demand
Employers across Tennessee are looking for students with critical soft skills in addition to a foundation of academic
and technical skills
Revitalizing WBL through course curriculum and capstone experiences is a strategy to prepare students for success
after high school through critical academic, technical, and social skills.
How old must a student be to work or to participate in WBL?
Minors may work in Tennessee at the age of 14 or 15. Students may participate in capstone WBL at 16 or 17 years of
age as consistent with the requirements of Tennessee Child Labor Laws (T.C.A. 50-5-105). The states WBL policies
and paperwork help ensure all requirements are met.
Who is liable for WBL students?
When WBL capstone students are in paid positions, the student is like any other employee. For unpaid internships,
the student must clearly be working for educational purposes and meeting course standards to earn credit. Federal
guidelines for internships may be found here: http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.htm
What jobs are prohibited for students?
Child Labor Laws in Tennessee identify Hazardous Occupations that are prohibited to minors, which are outlined in
Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A. 50-5-106). Students enrolled in CTE programs of study, however, may be
exempt for WBL in these jobs if they are 16 or older (T.C.A. 50-5-107). To participate in these placements, a
Hazardous Occupation Exemption form must be completed and kept on file with the other required paperwork.
Required documentation may be found online: https://tn.gov/education/topic/work-based-learning
What is required for hosting capstone WBL students at work sites?
All WBL students must have the following required WBL paperwork on file at the workplace for the duration of their
work. This paperwork must be kept up-to-date to ensure compliance with Child Labor Laws. In the case of an
accident, this documentation helps protect the student, the business, and the school by providing evidence that
appropriate precautions were made to keep the student safe:
Proof of age
A Safety Training Log documents safety trainings completed in the classroom AND at the worksite
A Training Agreement indicates that the minor is working for educational purposes
Hazardous Occupation Exemption Form (when applicable) indicates student meets criteria for participation
Your Tennessee Pipeline:
Technical Skills &
Curriculum

Soft Skills &

Experience

Qualified Workforce

Updated January 2015 by the Tennessee Department of Education

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