Work-Based Learning Employer Engagement Guide

One-time volunteer opportunites that help students learn more about careers while contributing to the organization’s mission
(Projects may include connections to the Nā Hopena Aʻo framework and Hawaiian education)

Conduct mock job interviews/performance reviews of students and provide feedback on their performance

Work with students to provide feedback on industry related projects/prototypes before their final presentations

Offer in-person and/or virtual support, guidance, and motivation to students as they explore careers and enter the world of work

Provide an opportunity for students to observe, discuss, and participate in daily routines and activities of a particular job.

Assist students in to prepare for industry recognized certification exams

Help prepare students to transition from high school to work or post-secondary education by providing work experience, typically run by students on the school’s campus with industry mentors

Provide professional work experience aligned with a career pathway that applies classroom learn- ing and builds skills. Internships can be paid or unpaid and follow an approved structure.

Provide on-the-job paid work experience along with career exploration & planning. May not be aligned directly with a student’s career pathway. Internship information can be used for planning.

Work with teachers to develop a scenario or industry-based problem for students to apply pathway content knowlege, skills, and strategies to design and present possible responses, solutions, and/or products.

Participate in a school- or city-level workforce development and education advisory group (1 person typically at management level or above)

Support students in designing and implementing projects at local businesses; government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Includes but not limited to project-based lessons, mālama ʻaina projects, community service projects, etc.

Assist teachers in designing a multidisciplinary learning activity. Potentially coach student teams and/or provide feedback on student work.

Provide employability skill training, for pay, in a work setting (Typically reserved for students with some prior work experience)

Provide paid on-the-job training based on state youth apprenticeship curriculum guidelines. Please see the Apprenticeship Information page for a list of apprenticeship programs in the state and other resources.
HRS Chapter 372

Provide an opportunity for students to participate in a supervised learning experience included as part of a training course in which students observe and perform tasks in a supervised, authentic setting. Students focus on observation, reflection, and understanding of practice connected to an academic course or program. Clinical experiences can lead to specific industry certifications.

Provide employee training and supervision as potential transition to ongoing employment. (Typically reserved for graduating seniors or post-secondary students)

Provide a job shadowing or similar work experience that will increase the teachers’ ability to bring workplace practices and policies (e.g. problem solving, practical applications of theory, team building, etc.) into the classroom.

Provide industry-recognized technical resources to schools to help students prepare for work-based learning experiences and/or industry-recognized certification exams

[Resource donation only. No personnel required.]

Provide feedback to student performance or artistic portfolios

Judge student presentations or competitions and provide constructive feedback regarding student mastery of targeted competencies

Provide supports to the school for special events. (e.g. showcase, fairs, etc.) Schools may ask for assistance with volunteers, resources, networking, etc.

Provide students with an opportunity to assist with the implementation of a corporate/charity event

Assist families of students in completing FAFSA application forms

Students conduct an interview of an industry professional in-person or virtually. Interviews can be conducted by an individual or group of students about a profession or specific topic related to the profession.

Host a school/classroom visit to the worksite. Students can speak to professionals to learn about educational requirements, skills, and opportunities available in the industry

Visit a school and share expertise and experiences with students and/or teacher in a classroom or larger group setting