Work-Based Learning | Cahokia CTE

Work-based learning is a set of student learning strategies that involves learning and demonstrating the technical, academic and employability skills that are used in real work environments. Students engage with employers, job industry experts, and college institutions in order to prepare them for today’s workforce. WBL is incorporated into each of Cahokia Unit School District’s CTE programs, and is divided into three parts:

Intensive Career Exploration Activities
Workplace Experiences and WBL Courses

Our career readiness efforts help students learn about different jobs, connect their interests to future careers, and gain real-world experience.

Career Awareness Activities introduce students to career clusters and job opportunities while encouraging them to explore their own strengths and interests.
Examples include:

Career Days & Career Fairs
Interactive Tools like Xello

Career Exploration Activities give students hands-on experiences and direct interaction with employers to deepen their understanding of specific industries.
Examples include:

Guest Speakers and Interactive Activities
Worksite Tours
Job Shadowing
Mentorship

These activities help students make informed choices about their future career paths.

Cahokia High School students can participate in the following intensive work-based learning experiences that help get them ready for future careers and be successful at work:

Hands-On Workshops and Worksite Tours
Special Career-Based Service Learning Projects with Industry Partners
Team-Based Challenges
12th Grade Career/Hiring Fair

Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs and employability skills courses help build foundational life and work skills with the help of industry partners.

WBL(Cooperative Education) class helps senior students learn what it’s like to have a job related to their CTE pathway of interest. Students can get real job experience via paid internships or apprenticeships.

Cahokia High School is working to offer WBL (Cooperative Education) job opportunities to eligible students in the 2025–2026 school year.

Work-Based Learning Workshops and Worksite Tours

Our partnership with Midwest Career Source offers high school students an exciting two-day healthcare career workshop designed to spark interest and inspire future healthcare professionals.

This immersive experience offers students an invaluable look into the dynamic world of healthcare, providing the tools and exposure they need to start building a future in the medical field. Take a look at some of the highlights of Day 1!