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JFF Unveils Updated Work-Based Learning Framework: From Theory to Action
July 23, 2025
At a Glance
JFF unveils our updated work-based learning framework, an actionable tool to help design, develop, implement, and improve work-based learning strategies—now with new quality indicators and real-world examples.
Work-based learning is critical to strengthening our nation’s workforce. As employers in many industries struggle to find skilled talent and millions of people seek pathways to quality careers, it’s essential to better connect education with real-world workplace experiences. When done well, work-based learning helps high school students, college learners, and adults at all stages of life build on-the-job skills, gain industry insights, and develop professional connections to enter, succeed, and advance in their careers.
Jobs for the Future (JFF) has partnered with hundreds of organizations at the local, regional, state, and national levels to design and implement effective work-based learning programs across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to health care.
Now we’re excited to share what works—through our updated and action-oriented Work-Based Learning Framework. It features new quality indicators and program exemplars from across the country to guide educators, employers, workforce professionals, correctional officers, policymakers, and anyone else who wants to design and operate high-quality work-based learning programs.
It’s possible to enter or exit a work-based learning experience at any point in one’s education or career, making it a powerful tool for both early exposure and lifelong advancement. Career awareness is the foundation, informing learning and career choices throughout one’s life. The full spectrum of work-based learning experiences includes four stages:
Career awareness
Helps people learn about the vast array of career opportunities and think about their interests and strengths.
Career exploration
Includes structured learning activities through short-term job experiences and interactions with professionals (in-person or virtually).
Career preparation
Connects temporary employment positions and structured workplace training with related learning activities.
Career experience
Connects sustained paid employment in workplace settings with contextual and career-aligned learning.
What’s New: Quality Indicators and Real-World Examples
The updated framework goes beyond theory by incorporating two critical new elements informed by our expanded knowledge base and comprehensive literature review of national work-based learning research and practices.
Six quality indicators now provide concrete guidance for program design and assessment, helping program leaders meet both participants’ career development needs and employer talent requirements. They are:
- Universal access—Proactive outreach and recruitment targeting underrepresented groups in specific industries.
- Intentional alignment—Age-appropriate skills-building experiences that match individual skill levels and career interests.
- Financial support—Compensation and rewards that reflect the length and type of work experience.
- Personalized mentorship—Industry professional mentors who provide guidance in technical skills, workplace navigation, and career planning.
- Pathway integration—Career pathways combining classroom instruction, industry credentials, and degree opportunities.
- Collaborative partnership—Active partnerships among education institutions, employers, workforce boards, and intermediary organizations.
We also feature program exemplars from across the country that showcase work-based learning initiatives using quality indicators in action. These programs, which represent the full continuum of work-based learning, serve as replicable models for equipping learners with the skills, experiences, and supports needed for career readiness and success. A big thank you to the following organizations for sharing their experiences:
- Coalfield Development
- MACNY (The Manufacturers Association)
- Boldt
- John Overton High School
- Dev/Mission
- Boston Private Industry Council (PIC)
- Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
- Reach University
Putting the Framework into Action
Ready to put work-based learning into action? Here’s how to get started:
- Start using the framework: Whether you’re designing new work-based learning programs or evaluating existing ones for continuous improvement, explore our comprehensive framework here.
- Missed our introductory webinar on July 23? Check out the recording.
- Connect with JFF: Want to create a customized work-based learning program for your organization or company? We can help! Get in touch.
The future of workforce development depends on strong connections between education and employment. With our updated framework and services tailored to your specific needs, we’re ready to help you build those bridges.
