Apprenticeships, trips, job shadowing – there are so many ways to benefit from work-based learning!

by ARTeria Foundation

Work-based learning (WBL) is a strategy that combines both practical and theoretical abilities. This method allows the student to gain real work experiences and increase their adaptability. As this way of learning has been getting more and more popular, let’s explore this concept further!

Feel like a professional thanks to an apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are one of the most popular ways to get to know work-based learning in practice. It lets the student experience the work environment, meet the people associated with a given profession and prove themselves during the training. Apprenticeships are sometimes combined with “classroom work” – for instance, an additional theoretical basis. Therefore, it gives the participant an all-around experience, preparing them to enter the labour market and acquire a stable job. Such training also includes experiential learning – the so-called ‘learning by doing’, which is believed to be one of the most effective methods of gaining practical skills. The concept has been known and used for centuries, and it still proves to provide successful outputs today.

Are you an observer? This method is for you!

Job shadowing is another method of work-based learning. There is a major difference between the two types of WBL. While an apprenticeship involves practice and the student’s participation, job shadowing means the participant only observes the process. It involves ‘following’ the professional and gaining knowledge by observation. It may be a perfect method for visual learners (but not only) to get to know what the job looks like in reality and to prepare themselves beforehand. Of course, it is also a way to see whether a given occupation is the right one for you. Job shadowing offers another great possibility – asking the professional you are following questions about the job, as well as about their activity and duties at work.

Have fun and learn something new

Field trips also are a part of work-based learning – it is a perfect opportunity to have a productive school excursion. It allows the students to experience something different – visit a certain place, instead of studying in the classroom as usual, and to get to know new things. They let the participants see what an actual work environment looks like and meet professionals. As such events are usually thoroughly planned, there should be many opportunities to meet the people and ask them some questions. This experience provides exposure to various jobs and fields, which may result in students considering pursuing a certain career, or for them to get interested in partaking in other activities associated with work-based learning.

Set up your own business…but only as an experiment!

Entrepreneurial experience is another form of work-based learning. It is based upon the whole idea of a business – beginning from the scratch and going through the management of all different aspects. It makes the participant explore all of the possibilities of the labour market, and understand the consumer’s needs. Entrepreneurial experience equips the student with a wide range of tools, they are able to gain and polish numerous valuable skills, that could be applied to all different professions. It introduces the participant to the world of business, decision-making, and creativity.

In summary, work-based learning is a broad concept that provides many opportunities, especially for young people. There are various ways to benefit from it, adjust it to yourself, and learn! It may be a valuable experience for people of all ages, and of many different professions. What are you waiting for?