November 2015

F E D E R A L P A R T N E R S I N T R A N S I T I O N

1

The Federal Partners in Transition (FPT) workgroup presents What to Know About 

Work-Based Learning Experiences. This fact sheet was created to address the 

compatible outcome goals and policy priorities identified in The 2020 Youth 

Transition Plan: A Federal Interagency Strategy and provides a quick glance of 

available resources. Please click on the links to learn more about each fact.

General and Legislative Information

1) Work-based learning and why it is important 

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth defines workbased learning as a “supervised program sponsored by an education or training 

organization that links knowledge gained at the work site with a planned program of 

study. Experiences range in intensity, structure, and scope and include activities as 

diverse as site visits, job shadowing, paid and unpaid internships, structured on-thejob training, and the more formal work status as apprentice or employee.” Workbased learning experiences have been shown to be one of the strongest predictors 

of adult employment success for students and youth with disabilities.

2) What to look for in a work-based learning experience and program 

A high quality work-based learning program includes the following characteristics: 

a. Clear roles and responsibilities for worksite supervisors, mentors, teachers, 

support personnel, and other partners; 

b. Training plans that specify learning goals tailored to individual youth with specific 

outcomes connected to their learning; 

c. Opportunities for a range of work-based learning experiences, especially those 

outside traditional youth employing industries such as hospitality and retail; 

d. Assessments to identify skills, interests, and support needs at the worksite; 

 

1

Youth with disabilities is defined differently by various programs and systems, including the contributing 

agencies. Consequently, a standard definition is not used in this document.
2

e. Reinforcement of work-based learning outside of work; and

f. Appropriate academic, social, and administrative support for youth, employers, 

and all involved.

3) Service learning is a form of work-based learning

Service learning improves employment outcomes for populations that experience 

significant barriers in the job market, such as individuals who do not have a high 

school diploma. The income exclusions available to Supplemental Security Income 

(SSI) beneficiaries who participate in AmeriCorps programs and Social Security 

Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries in AmeriCorps VISTA add further appeal. 

With these employment supports, beneficiaries can gain work-based experiences 

and skills through participation in service learning programs without risk of penalty or 

loss of disability benefits.

4) WIOA and work-based learning experiences under Vocational Rehabilitation 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) made significant changes to 

programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Title IV of WIOA), 

particularly to the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services program which provides 

VR services to individuals with disabilities. Section 113 of the Rehabilitation Act, as 

amended by WIOA, requires that pre-employment transition services, including 

work-based learning experiences, be made available to students with disabilities in 

need of such services who are eligible or potentially eligible for VR services. Workbased learning experiences may include in-school or after school opportunities, or 

experiences outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that are

provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible. 

5) WIOA youth formula funding and work-based-learning experiences 

At least 20 percent of local WIOA Title I youth formula funds must be used for workbased learning. Such work-experiences may include summer and year-round 

employment, pre-apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or internships and job 

shadowing. Eligible training providers deliver these services in local communities, 

which can be accessed through local American Job Centers.

WIOA requires coordination of services to promote career readiness, secondary 

school completion, entry into postsecondary education, and postsecondary 

credentials aligned with in-demand industry sectors. Additional allowable activities 

include entrepreneurial skills training and financial literacy education. 

Benefits for the Individual

6) Benefits of work-based learning experiences include: 

a. Fostering self and career exploration. In addition to establishing a clear 

connection between education and work, work-based learning facilitates an

assessment of interests, strengths, and abilities while exploring possible career 

paths. 
3

b. Developing positive work habits and attitudes. Work-based learning 

experiences provide the opportunity to strengthen six key soft skill areas -

communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving 

and critical thinking, and professionalism. These types of skills provide a 

competitive advantage for achieving career goals.

c. Assessing abilities and strengths. Work-based learning experiences provide 

opportunities for assessing abilities and strengths outside the classroom. 

Participation in job related tasks provides a chance to explore how to 

communicate disability-related work support and accommodation needs, if 

necessary. Knowing if, how and when to disclose a disability is a necessary part 

of self-assessment. 

d. Expanding professional networks. Networking can provide access to 

professionals who have similar interests and possibly provide access to an 

individual’s next employer. 

e. Becoming better informed to make decisions before accepting a job offer.

Many work-based learning experiences offer rewards and/or compensation. For 

example, some work-based learning experiences offer a salary. If it is unpaid, the 

program may offer a stipend and/or housing. Some employers may offer health 

insurance when an employee works 40 hours or more a week. Others might offer 

training and/or certification in an industry of their choice. Weighing the pros and 

cons can be overwhelming, but it is important to make sure a person’s next move

is aligned with their career and financial goals, and ultimately supports their wellbeing and independence. 

Benefits for the Community

7) Benefits of work-based learning experiences for State agencies, local service 

providers, employers, and the local economy may include: 

a. Making education more relevant. Work-based learning experiences can be a 

valuable component of specially designed instruction for students. Research has 

found that students in work-based learning programs complete related 

coursework at high rates and have higher attendance and graduation rates than 

those not enrolled in such programs.

b. Allowing employers to tap into a pool of skilled workers. Work-based 

learning experiences motivate potential employees and future employers to hire 

job ready individuals, which reduces training costs and improves employee 

retention. Establishing collaboration among schools and employers leads to a 

more productive local economy and, ultimately, builds thriving communities.

c. Recognizing the shared responsibilities for a successful work experience. 

Quality work experiences are especially dependent on all participants’ knowledge 

and fulfillment of their roles in the arrangement for a work-based learning 

experience. Students must perform job responsibilities, transition specialists

must orient students to the workplace, their roles and responsibilities; and 
4

employers must provide clear, detailed, and repeated directions to teach skills 

needed for successful job performance. 

d. Assisting State agencies to meet requirements of Federal and State laws. 

Transition services are provided to students with disabilities under the Individuals 

with Disabilities Education Act and to students and youth with disabilities under 

the Rehabilitation of 1973, as amended by WIOA. These laws are authorized to 

help meet the needs of students with disabilities and prepare them to obtain 

direct employment or a career path leading to employment. Work-based learning 

experiences may be used by schools and vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies 

to help meet requirements for providing pre-employment transition services2and

transition services under WIOA, and transition services under IDEA.

e. Strengthening community partnerships. Through partnerships with State 

agencies, including State educational agencies and State VR agencies, schools, 

worksites, businesses, families and community organizations, communities can 

create opportunities to develop transferrable skills to prepare for postsecondary 

education and employment.

8) Work-based learning experiences impact leadership development and 

genuinely engage people in their communities. Beyond the specific benefits to 

individuals and to the agencies and employers mentioned, leadership development

can foster the voices of youth with disabilities in the decision-making processes that 

affect them. It improves soft skills, which many employers view as important to work 

readiness. It also encourages employers and agencies to better coordinate and 

better engage with all members of their community, helping them to provide better 

services.

This document was created by the Federal Partners in Transition (FPT). FPT is a 

workgroup with representatives of several federal agencies, including the 

Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the 

Department of Labor, and the Social Security Administration, which are involved in 

promoting inclusive service delivery for transitioning youth with disabilities from 

school into postsecondary education, the workforce, and independent living. 

Additional information about FPT’s shared vision, compatible outcomes goals, and 

policy priorities can be found in The 2020 Federal Youth Transition Plan: A Federal 

Interagency Strategy. The report is available at: http://youth.gov/featurearticle/federal-partners-transition.

 

2 Under section 113 of the Rehabilitation Act, work-based learning experiences are 1 of the 5 required 

pre-employment transition activities and are only available to students with disabilities.