ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

This interactive workshop equips CTE professionals with practical tools and proven strategies to design, launch, and sustain high-quality work-based learning (WBL) systems. Participants will explore effective models for aligning classroom instruction with real-world experience, developing strong employer partnerships, and integrating WBL into existing CTE and pathway programs. Led by national workforce and CTE leader Dr. Jeff Arnott, the workshop combines research-based insights with hands-on activities to help communities strengthen apprenticeship pipelines, expand access to meaningful work experiences, and leverage funding and policy to support long-term workforce development. Attendees will leave with a customized implementation roadmap and a digital toolkit ready to use immediately—empowering them to build scalable community workforce pipelines that deliver measurable success for learners and employers. 

We know the problem: asking for WBL support feels uncomfortable, and stakeholder engagement remains transactional. This session bridges psychology and place-based Hawaiian values to implement solutions. Understanding the psychological barriers that make us hesitate to ask for help, combined with pilina (meaningful relationship-building) as an alternative framework transforms how we approach WBL partnerships. In our increasingly virtual world, intermediaries can create portals for authentic community engagement where partnerships become collective investments. We will share the framework that this intermediary uses in their community. Learn how AI tools supported the development and implementation of this system while keeping cultural values centered. Facilitated discussions and activities, slides will be provided at the conclusion of the session.

This session will highlight Missouri’s Show-Me approach to building high-quality work-based learning and Registered Youth Apprenticeship pathways that connect students with meaningful career opportunities. Designed for educators, administrators, and business partners, the session will provide strategies to strengthen school-to-business partnerships, align classroom learning with workforce needs, and expand equitable access to apprenticeship opportunities. The session will connect evidence-based insights with practical strategies for implementation while drawing on emerging dissertation research focused on career pathways and the registered youth apprenticeship models. Attendees will actively engage in discussion and planning activities, explore real-world examples from Missouri’s schools and districts, and leave with practical tools to apply directly in their classrooms, programs, or institutions.

Are you looking to advance your current Work-Based Learning? Learn how West-MEC, a leader in Career and Technical Education, is elevating Work-Based Learning through innovative systems, strong industry partnerships, and impactful student experiences. This session will explore strategies to strengthen program infrastructure with digital tools, embed service and reflection to deepen learning, and design authentic opportunities that connect students, employers, and communities. Walk away with practical ideas to advance your own WBL program.

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and it’s time for educators to use its capabilities to work smarter, not harder! This presentation showcases how educators can strategically utilize AI tools to save time while creating a winning work-based learning program. From generating lesson plans to creating recruitment materials to improving student success in the workplace, join us to explore the transformative potential that AI offers to increase your efficiency while propelling your WBL program to the next level.

Work-based learning should be more than one-off placements. Done right, it becomes an ecosystem that sparks student ambition, strengthens schools and colleges, and drives community vitality. This session will show you how to shift from scattered efforts to a connected design that multiplies opportunities and results.


You will hear from model WBL ecosystems in action, highlighting how schools and communities have turned small sparks into sustained impact. You will also leave with a playbook of tangible steps to streamline processes, expand partnerships, and position WBL as a powerful driver of both student success and local growth.

This session highlights how a rural East Tennessee school district transformed a minimal Work-Based Learning (WBL) program into a vital community resource that helps local employers fill workforce gaps. Attendees will learn how a personalized, “one student at a time” approach with business partners has built strong relationships and meaningful student opportunities.
We’ll explore how strategic social media use and personal stories from teachers, students, and partners have boosted awareness and engagement for the WBL program. This practical session provides real-world examples and actionable strategies that educators can apply immediately, regardless of their setting.
Participants will take part in interactive discussions and hands-on activities via mobile devices, fostering collaboration. Attendees will also access our social media resources and tools to replicate effective marketing strategies. This session is ideal for educators and administrators aiming to grow and promote WBL programs while strengthening community partnerships.

This session introduces a tested process for helping students identify and pursue Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences that align with their strengths, interests, and goals. Drawing from classroom and district-level examples, presenters will demonstrate how structured career exploration supports equitable and meaningful student placement in internships, job shadows, and apprenticeships.


Designed for CTE educators, WBL coordinators, and career counselors, the session will engage participants in interactive activities, including mapping a student profile to potential WBL placements and discussing common challenges in matching students with opportunities. Attendees will leave with practical tools—reflection guides, planning templates, and student-ready activities—that can be immediately integrated into programs.


By the end of the session, participants will have both a replicable process and ready-to-use resources to enhance how their classrooms and institutions connect students to WBL experiences that fit.