Work-based Learning

Work-based Learning Coordinator Training 

May 27, 2026 - July 23, 2026

Registration is closed for the May 27 to July 23, 2026  WBL Coordinator Training.

Click the Work-based Learning Coordinator Training tab below to learn more about the training.

 

Work-based Learning Contact

  • Dawn Ulmer, NDCTE Strategic Projects Manager

RUReady.ND.gov Work-based Learning Module Contact

The term, “work-based learning” means (for the purposes of Perkins V funding):

  • Sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent practicable; OR

  • Simulated environments at an educational institution that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.

After consultation with various stakeholder groups, such as business/industry partners, school administration, Workforce Development Council, etc., the overwhelming majority agreed that the state indicator should be work-based learning opportunities. Based on this feedback, the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education has determined the secondary program quality indicator will be the percentage of CTE concentrators graduated from high school having participated in work-based learning. This guidance has been developed to clarify the components of this secondary program quality indicator. It will provide definitions and examples of work-based learning experiences. An explanation of the use of Career Ready Practices is also included. Data will only be collected once throughout a student’s high school years.

  • Fill the demand for a trained workforce within the state of ND.

  • Provide early exposure to careers and prepare students to be successful in the workplace

  • Create a bridge between education and the labor market so students will be Choice Ready, and communities will flourish.

  • Engage students, develop a career mindset, and inspire the development of career goals.

North Dakota Work-based Learning will meet goals by –

  • Collaborating with industry professionals, community stakeholders, students, and educators to create quality work-experiences.

  • Emphasizing the connection between core education and the workplace.

  • Facilitating Career Exploration prior to work experience.

  • Teaching young people, the transferrable skills they need to be successful.

  • Preparing students for the work-based learning experiences and Preparing students to be an asset in the workplace.

  • Creating customized training plans for skill development and assessment.

  • Preparing employers to provide training for students as potential future employees.

  • Documenting work experience for academic credit.

  • Creating quality simulated work experiences, project-based learning experiences and other approved WBL activities.

  • Documenting the WBL Activity for credit.

  • Fostering a career mindset.

  • Making education relevant to careers.

  • Producing Choice Ready high school graduates.

  • Expand educational opportunities in all classes.

Assessment for each CTE concentrator having participated in work-based learning must include the use of the five following Career Ready Practices (CRP):

  • 1)  Responsible Employee

  • 2)  Technical Skills

  • 4)  Communication 

  • 8)  Problem Solving

  • 12) Teamwork

Career Ready Practices/Rubrics

Work-based Learning is an Indicator under workforce ready for the North Dakota Scholarship.

North Dakota provides RUReady.ND.gov to all North Dakota students. RUReady.ND.gov contains high school and career planning tools and the Work-based Learning Module.

RUReady.ND.gov Resources

Employer Resources - RUReady.ND.gov Work-Based Learning Module

Work-based Learning Coordinator Training 

May 27, 2026 - July 23, 2026.

  • There are two levels of training:
    • Level 1 WBL Coordinator Training is for educators who plan to be hired as a WBL Coordinator. This training will combine two face-to-face days of instruction/collaboration and three virtual sessions. The course instructors will supply all training resources.  
    • Level 2 WBL Coordinator Training is for teachers who will be assisting with an existing WBL Program under the supervision of a veteran WBL Coordinator. This training was developed for educators who DO NOT plan to be a WBL Coordinator. This training will prepare educators to comply with existing WBL policies and structure. Applicants will attend one in-person day in Bismarck, two virtual training sessions and one local in-person training scheduled by the area WBL Coordinator.
  • Participants who complete training will be eligible for the WBL Coordinator Endorsement. This endorsement allows coordinators to manage quality work-based learning experiences for students in all CTE program areas.  A WBL Coordinator will be the point of contact for students, employers, and educators. 

2026 Schedule at a Glance

May 27, 20269:00 am – 11:00 am CTVirtual Session
June 3, 20269:00 am – 11:00 am CTVirtual Check-in
June 18, 20269:00 am – 3:30 pm CTIn-Person Training Session:
CTE Conference Room - Hughes Building Door #3
806 N Washington St,  Bismarck
July 9, 20269:00 am – 3:30 pm CTIn-Person Training Session:
CTE Conference Room - Hughes Building Door #3
806 N Washington St,  Bismarck
July 23, 20269:00 am - 11:00 am CTVirtual Session
July 24, 2026 to September 10, 2026Implementation & Mentorship 

 

  • Professional Development Credit will be available.
  • Learners who complete their training will be qualified to be the teacher of record for the following MIS03 codes.
    • 01999    Agricultural Education Cooperative Work Experience
    • 14999    Business Education Cooperative Work Experience
    • 09299    Family and Consumer Sciences Education Cooperative Work Experience
    • 07999    Health Education Supervised Occupational Experience
    • 27999    Information Technology Cooperative Work Experience
    • 04999    Marketing Education Cooperative Work Experience
    • 10999    Technology & Engineering Education Cooperative Work Experience
    • 17999    Trade and Industrial Education Cooperative Work Experience
    • 20076    Career Seminar
    • 20060    Career Management

NDCTE Work-based Learning Coordinator Training

Purpose

The North Dakota Career & Technical Education Work-Based Learning Coordinator Training Framework is designed to prepare individuals to support, coordinate, and manage high-quality work-based learning experiences for students across all Career & Technical Education program areas.

The training system provides multiple levels of professional development based on the educator's role and responsibilities within a local WBL program. Successful completion of coordinator training may qualify participants to pursue the North Dakota Work-Based Learning Coordinator Endorsement through the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

Level 1: Work-Based Learning Coordinator Training

Intended Audience

Level 1 training is designed for individuals who plan to be hired as a Work-Based Learning Coordinator and will serve as the primary coordinator responsible for managing a local WBL program. Individuals completing Level 1 WBL Coordinator Training will be eligible for the WBL Coordinator Endorsement through ESPB and two PD Credits through VCSC.(Valley City State College)

Training Format

Participants will complete:

  • Two (2) in-person training days with an NDCTE Trainer. Training location – 

Hughes Educational Center

806 N. Washington St.

Bismarck, ND 58501

  • Three (3) virtual training sessions
  • Guided implementation and membership at the completion of training.

All training materials and resources will be provided by NDCTE and course instructors.

Training Outcomes

Participants will learn how to:

  • Develop and manage a comprehensive WBL program
  • Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements
  • Recruit and support employer partners
  • Facilitate work-place skills training for students 
  • Coordinate student placements
  • Utilize approved WBL documentation and processes
  • Manage student evaluations and performance tracking
  • Implement safety and risk-management procedures
  • Maintain program quality and continuous improvement practices
  • Promote and Market WBL Program.

Role of a WBL Coordinator:

Upon employment and endorsement, the WBL Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for:

  • Students
  • Employers
  • Educators
  • School administrators
  • Community partners

The coordinator is responsible for ensuring students participate in meaningful, high-quality work-based learning experiences aligned to career pathways and workforce needs.

WBL Coordinator Description

Level 2: Work-Based Learning Support Training

Intended Audience

Level 2 training is designed for educators who will assist with an existing Work-Based Learning program under the supervision of an experienced WBL Coordinator. Individuals who complete training will be eligible for the WBL Coordinator Endorsement through ESPB and two PD credits through VCSC. (Valley City State College)

This training is intended for educators who have not been hired as full-time WBL Coordinators, but who support student contact, student placement, supervision, and program implementation.

Training Format

Participants will complete:

  • One (1) in-person training day in Bismarck with an NDCTE Trainer
  • Hughes Educational Center
  • 806 N. Washington St.
  • Bismarck, ND 58501
  • Two (2) virtual training sessions
  • One (1) local in-person training session coordinated by the area WBL Coordinator and NDCTE Trainer

Training Outcomes

Participants will learn how to:

  • Support existing WBL programs
  • Follow North Dakota WBL policies and procedures
  • Assist with student monitoring and documentation
  • Communicate effectively with students and employers
  • Utilize approved WBL resources and reporting systems
  • Maintain compliance with program requirements

Supervision Requirement

Educators completing Level 2 training must operate under the supervision and guidance of an NDCTE approved WBL Coordinator.

Level 3: Teacher Work-Based Learning Training

Intended Audience

Level 3 training is designed for classroom teachers who wish to incorporate work-based learning activities into instruction but do not intend to serve as a WBL Coordinator. Completion of Level 3 training does not qualify participants for the North Dakota Work-Based Learning Coordinator Endorsement.

Training Format

Participants will complete:

  • Three (3) virtual WBL training sessions

Training Outcomes

Participants will learn how to:

  • Integrate career-connected learning into classroom instruction
  • Connect curriculum to workplace applications
  • Utilize employer engagement strategies
  • Understand the components of quality work-based learning
  • Support student career readiness and employability skill development
  • Connect students with WBL opportunities.

NDCTE Commitment

North Dakota Career and Technical Education is committed to expanding access to high-quality work-based learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction with real-world application, strengthen employability skills, and prepare students for career, college, military, and lifelong success.