Work-Based Learning

Overview

Work-Based Learning (WBL) means demonstrating learning through work or at work, aligned with state quality expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

WBL FAQs

PWR & Audit FAQs

Colorado's Work-Based Learning Continuum

graphic of the work-based learning continuum showing learning about work, at work, and through work

Read the full alt text for the WBL Continuum

Reporting and Eligibility Hub

What counts?

Students in grades 9–12 who are identified for full time funding in Student October Count in the same budget year may qualify if they complete at least 60 cumulative hours in an approved Work-Based Learning (WBL) experience during a single academic year (July 1–June 30).

Approved WBL experiences include:

Clinical Experiences
Internships
Pre-apprenticeships
Industry-sponsored Projects
Supervised Entrepreneurship
Registered Apprenticeships
On-the-Job Training
School-Based Enterprises

See definitions and examples of each type of experience below.

Important updates:

Activity Codes 02 (Credit for Work Experience) and 09 (Employee Development) are no longer accepted.
Experiences previously reported under Code 02 should now be reported using Code 08: On-the-Job Training.

WBL Activity	Definition	Examples
Clinical Experiences	Hands-on learning in a healthcare setting where students interact with patients or healthcare professionals.	Students complete CNA clinical hours at a nursing home; students rotate through radiology, labs, or patient care departments at a hospital; EMT pathway students shadow and assist healthcare teams.
Internships	Short- or long-term workplace experiences that help students explore a career field and workplace expectations.	Students intern in welding shops, medical billing offices, theaters, restaurants, ski shops, or education settings.
Pre- apprenticeship	Programs that prepare students to enter a Registered Apprenticeship through classroom learning and hands-on training.	Construction students build tiny homes while learning trade skills; students complete introductory electrical, carpentry, or manufacturing training connected to apprenticeship pathways.
Industry- sponsored Project	A real-world project created in partnership with a business or industry partner.	Students design menus for restaurants, create marketing materials for businesses, build products for local companies, or solve engineering/design challenges from employers.
Supervised Entrepre-neurship Experience	A student-run business or entrepreneurial experience supported by a mentor or teacher.	Students run a coffee shop, print shop, bike repair business, or student-led startup while learning budgeting, operations, and customer service.
Registered Apprenticeship	A paid, structured apprenticeship approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agency.	Students work in IT, automotive, manufacturing, maintenance, or construction apprenticeships while earning wages and industry credentials.
On-the-Job Training	Paid employment where students receive structured training while working.	A student works as a CNA trainee while receiving hands-on healthcare training; students work in technology, manufacturing, or facilities positions while learning job-specific skills from supervisors.
School-Based Enterprise	A business or simulated business operated within the school by students.	Students manage a school store, spirit shop, café, greenhouse, print shop, or student-run retail operation.

How do we report?

LEPs report WBL data through the Data Pipeline during the reporting window: April 13 – June 30

Schools report students who completed approved WBL requirements during the reporting school year using the WBL file layout.

Required reporting elements include:

Student SASID
Activity type/code
Hours completed
Start and end dates
Employer information
Instructor contact information (Employer ID can be zero-filled if unknown)
USDOL Apprenticeship Number (required for Pre-Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships)

The End Date must fall within the reporting school year to qualify for completion.

How do we qualify?

To qualify for sustain funding:

The student must be in grades 9–12 (identified for full-time funding only in the annual Student October Count data collection in the same budget year the outcome is achieved).
The student must complete at least 60 cumulative WBL hours during the academic year
The experience must align with an approved WBL activity code
The student must have a valid SASID
The LEP must submit complete and accurate reporting data through Data Pipeline
The LEP must maintain documentation supporting eligibility and completion requirements

How much funding could we receive?

The WBL file layout is used by CDE to determine an LEP’s eligibility amount for Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Sustain Funding.

Funding amounts are based on:

The number of eligible students reported
Successful completion of WBL requirements
Compliance with reporting and documentation requirements

Any funds received beyond eligibility may be subject to repayment.

What evidence do we need to collect/keep?

LEPs must maintain documentation demonstrating:

Student eligibility
Participation and completion of WBL requirements
Hours completed
Dates of participation
Employer participation
Reported student outcomes
Allowable use of funds

Examples of documentation may include:

Timesheets or hour logs
Training agreements
Employer verification
Student evaluations
Instructor records
Apprenticeship documentation
Employer information and contact records

Documentation is especially important in case the LEP is selected for program monitoring.

The Department monitors:

Student Eligibility
Student Outcomes
Expenses

Failure to maintain sufficient documentation may result in recovery of funds, repayment requirements, or withholding of future funding.

Contact

Alexa Enamorado, PWR WBL Specialist

Enamorado_a@cde.state.co.us