High School Work-Based Learning
High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) is comprised of school-coordinated workplace experiences that are:
- related to students’ career goals and/or interests,
- integrated with instruction, and
- performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
There are 12 Work-based Learning experiences defined by the Virginia Department of Education. They include: Job Shadowing, Service Learning, Externship, School-based Enterprise, Mentorship, Internship, Entrepreneurship, Cooperative Education, SAE, Clinical Experience, Youth Registered Apprenticeships, and Registered Apprenticeships.
Employability skills are essential, transferable abilities like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that are valuable across all jobs. They help individuals succeed in the workplace by enhancing adaptability and productivity. Click the link to watch videos that can help you build and strengthen your employability skills.
If you are seeking goods or services, please explore our Work-based Learning Partners and Career Awareness Facilitators. These organizations actively support Arlington Public Schools students in discovering potential career pathways.
Job Shadow Day 2024 video highlights Work-based Learning Job Shadowing
High School - Career Awareness, Internship and other Work-based Learning
9th Graders
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is hosting Job Shadow Day on November 6, 2025, for 10th-grade students in Arlington Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year. Applications are now open. Link to last year’s Job Shadow Day. Students must be logged into their APS profile to complete this student application.
12th Graders
Skilled Trades and Readiness is a 5-week paid training. You must have a high school diploma or GED by the time the course starts on June 30. Application Due June 3, 2025
This 12-week paid internship at Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) requires you be 18 years old. Deadline to apply is Friday, May 23, 2025
High School Graduates
Career Connections in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has an entire webpage dedicated to high school graduates seeking information on how to plan their post-secondary (after high school) journey.
Virginia Career Works has a Workforce Connection webpage for anyone seeking employment in Virginia.