Chapter 5 Workplace-Based Learning
5.0.0.0.1 Workplace-based learning includes any situation in which a student gains experience at a work site, such as through internships, apprenticeships, co-op learning, and job shadowing. Research indicates that such experiences contribute to students’ confidence in their abilities and enhance employability skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and professionalism (Jackson, 2014).
5.0.0.0.2 ATE PIs whose projects offered workplace-based learning were asked about key characteristics of the workplace-based learning opportunities they offered and about the number of students who participated in these activities in 2024.
5.1 Workplace-Based Learning
5.1.0.1 Twenty-three percent of ATE projects provided workplace-based learning opportunities for students.
In 2024, 2,510 students participated in workplace-based learning opportunities offered by 68 ATE projects. An additional 20 ATE projects reported offering field trips to business and industry sites. The 23% of projects that provided workplace-based learning in 2024 excludes the 20 projects that only reported offering field trips.
5.1.0.1.1 Most ATE projects offered workplace-based learning through internships.
Figure 5.1: Percentage of ATE projects that offered each type of workplace-based learning (n=68)
The median number of weekly hours that students spent in a workplace-based learning activity ranged from 5 to 40, and the median number of weeks spent in an activity ranged from 2 (job shadowing) to 52 (apprenticeships).
Respondents discussed a variety of benefits to both students and employers. As one respondent noted:
Our BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) has discussed the need for a focus on employ-ability skills. The number one issue we hear from our industry partners is equipping students with the soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Based on this feedback we have structured our first internship course to focus on those soft skills as the students learn to operate the equipment.
Survey respondents reported on the characteristics of the workplace-based learning their projects offered.
| Internships (n=49) | Apprenticeships (n=11) | Job Shadowing (n=8) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required by program | 37% | 27% | 38% |
| Academic credit | 63% | 55% | 38% |
| Coupled with a course | 59% | 36% | 62% |
| Received payment | 82% | 73% | 0% |
| Table 5.1: Characteristics of the three most frequently reported workplace-based learning activities |