Career-Connected Learning

Career-Connected Learning Logo

What is Career-Connected Learning?

Iowa Career-Connected Learning logo

Career-connected learning is an umbrella term that incorporates both career exploration and work-based learning. While career exploration activities empower students in learning about work, work-based learning supports students working to learn the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the workplace and what comes next.  


Career Exploration

Career exploration includes activities designed to assist with exploring and building awareness of the available careers in in-demand, high-wage and public good college and career pathways.

OpportunitiesExamples
Career Fairs & Business Tours
Simulated Work ExperiencesCareer Immersion Experiences
Mock Interviews
Professional Skills Workshops
Lab work in the classroom
Job ShadowsJob Shadow Services
Career Discovery
Employability Skills CoursesCareers Course
Project-based LearningWBL Clearinghouse

Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning is sustained project-based learning in partnership with an employer, simulated work experiences aligned with industry-recognized credentials,  high-quality pre-apprenticeships aligned to an apprenticeship,  student learner programs, internships, and apprenticeships.

OpportunitiesExamples
Sustained Project-based LearningCAPS and other PBL programs
Simulated Work Experiences 
(credentials)
School-based Enterprise
Virtual reality to use equipment that an employer uses
InternshipsInternships can be virtual or in-person
Work Experience
Note: Work-release does not meet this definition
Pre-apprenticeshipsBoth classroom and work component with students being prepared for a specific career
Earn and Learn
ApprenticeshipsLonger-term commitment with employer with plans to continue the work after the school year wraps up
Virtual apprenticeships allowed
Student-Learner ProgramsCAPS and other PBL programs

CRAEA Current CCL Supports & Services

Career Exploration

  • District Career and Academic Planning
  • Job Shadows (Job Shadow Coordinator)
  • Student Events

Work-Based Learning

  • District Career and Academic Planning
  • Special Ed Secondary Transition Goals (Work Experience Coordinators)
  • Internships (Multi-occupations Coordinators)
  • Sustained Project-based Learning (CAPS Director)
  • Student-learner Programs (CAPS Director)

Internships

Central Rivers AEA Career-Connected Learning Helps

  • Students explore a variety of jobs and discover potential occupations in the local community.
  • Students learn about the realistic demands of employment and grow in their ability to meet employer expectations.
  • Students earn high school credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Contacts

Staff Directory