Employers need to be encouraged and rewarded. Maintaining motivated, active involvement of employers is an essential part of any work-based learning program. Two major issues underlie a debate often associated with work-based learning. The first issue relates to targeting. It questions whether work-based learning programs should be targeted for selected students or should be available to all students.
Some educators view work-based learning as a way to prepare students for the world of work.
They believe it should be an option for all students, regardless of whether or not they plan to attend college. Other educators say that work-based learning opportunities should be offered first to students who are not planning to attend college. They reason that students who will be entering the workforce earlier should be given job preparation opportunities earlier. They believe it should be aimed at this population. The second issue is related to the first and has to do with tracking.