Work-Based Learning Continuum - Yuma Union High School District

Work-Based Learning (WBL) provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore careers, gain real-world experience, and develop the knowledge and skills needed for future success. At YUHSD, WBL activities range from early career awareness to hands-on training in professional settings.

WBL experiences are grouped into four continuum phases:

Career Awareness

Learning ABOUT work

Students build awareness of careers, industries, and postsecondary opportunities through introductory experiences designed to expose them to the world of work.

Guest Speakers: Industry professionals share information about their careers, workplace experiences, and career pathways with students.
Career/Job Fairs: Events where students meet employers, colleges, training programs, military representatives, and community organizations to learn about careers and opportunities. .
Company Tours: Visits to local businesses or industry sites where students learn about workplace operations, careers, and professional environments.
College and Technical School Tours: Visits to local businesses or industry sites where students learn about workplace operations, careers, and professional environments.

Career Exploration

Learning FOR work

Students explore careers in greater depth through experiences that help them better understand workplace expectations, career pathways, and professional skills.

Informational Interviews: Conversations with professionals that help students learn more about specific careers, education requirements, and workplace expectations.
Job Shadowing: Short-term experiences where students observe professionals in the workplace to learn about daily job responsibilities and career pathways.
Mentorships: Ongoing relationships where students receive career guidance, encouragement, and workplace insight from industry or community professionals.

Career Preparation

Learning THROUGH work

Students apply classroom instruction through project-based and simulated learning experiences designed to develop technical, problem-solving, leadership, and employability skills.

Scenario and Simulation Projects: Teacher provides activities that simulate real workplace situations and industry challenges, allowing students to apply technical and employability skills in a classroom-based environment. Some projects may include industry partner involvement or feedback.
Service Learning Projects: Students address a community need by applying technical skills from their CTE programs. These projects include planning, implementation, and reflection to build a sense of service and civic responsibility.

Career Training

Learning AT work

Students participate in structured workplace experiences aligned to their CTE program and career interests. These experiences provide opportunities to apply technical knowledge and employability skills in professional work environments.

Internships: In-person or virtual placements that provide students with direct exposure to professional environments aligned with their career interests.
Diversified Cooperative Education (DCE): A Work-Based Learning course for eligible senior (12th grade) CTE students. In select cases, junior (11th grade) students may be considered based on district criteria and program readiness. Students earn credit through employment or approved workplace experiences aligned to their CTE program while developing real-world skills, professionalism, and career readiness. See the success criteria by clicking here.
Pre-Apprenticeship: Introduces students to skilled trades or specific occupations through early hands-on experiences, safety training, and foundational instruction. Prepares students for future participation in Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Registered Apprenticeship: Paid, on-the-job training programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agency. Students receive formal instruction and earn a nationally recognized credential upon completion. Learn more about Arizona Apprenticeship Programs
Healthcare Clinicals: Practical, hands-on experiences for students in healthcare pathways. Students apply classroom knowledge in clinical environments, often observing or assisting in patient care.
Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE): Hands-on agricultural learning experiences where students apply agricultural knowledge and skills through projects, entrepreneurship, research, service-learning, or workplace experiences. SAE experiences may occur in workplace, school-based, or simulated learning environments.

* Work-based learning opportunities vary by program, school and community. These are examples of experiences that may be available to students.

Mariana Martinez Reynoso

Director, Work-Based Learning
Phone: (928) 502-6779

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