WBL Essential Elements

New York City’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) has adopted a set of ten essential elements to serve as a guide to structuring all Work-Based Learning experiences. By intentionally addressing these ten elements, Train & Earn Program staff can help ensure that Work-Based Learning experiences created for youth and young adults across the Career Development Continuum are engaging, safe and learning rich.

The Ten WBL Essential Elements

Conduct Effective Planning

Set clear goals and expectations for all parties
Ensure activity is developmentally appropriate (age, stage and experience)

Prepare for Success

Prepare youth and young adults, staff and employer or organization partners
Address logistics

Identify Learning Outcomes

Align to work-readiness professional skills
Link to college-readiness skills and academic or occupational standards

Create Authentic and Engaging Experiences

Support effective participation of employers and organizartions
Provide hands-on and project-based activities when possible

Connect to Careers

Provide for exploration of or experience in a field of interest and exposure to a range of potential career options
Provide exposure to authentic work-world experiences

Ensure Activities are Safe and Legal

Address all labor laws, OSHA, Workers Compensation, and the Fair Labor Standards Act (including pay when required)
Reflect workplace norms, including safety and regulations

Provide Ongoing Support

Provide orientations and support for all parties
Ensure the Work-Based Learning component of the program is appropriately staffed

Provide for Reflection, Presentation and Feedback

Support self-assessment and presentation opportunities
Provide opportunities for formal and informal feedback among all parties

Connect to the Learner’s Next Step

Connect the experience to the classroom or workshop activities
Intentionally sequence with future Work-Based Learning experiences

Assess and Document the Experience

Document learning and skills acquisition
Assess activity effectiveness