In collaboration with workforce development partners, ElevateEdAZ, and the Arizona Business Education Coalition the Career and Technical Education department (CTE) offers a variety of work-based learning opportunities for students and employers. Work-based learning programs allow students to gain practical, hands-on experience in real-world work environments, enabling them to develop essential job skills, career readiness, and an understanding of workplace culture. These authentic learning opportunities provide students with the following:

• Hands-on experience: Work-based learning provides practical, hands-on experience that can't be gained in a classroom setting. This experience allows learners to develop practical skills and knowledge that can be applied in a real-world work setting.

• Career readiness: Work-based learning can prepare learners for their future careers by giving them exposure to the workplace and allowing them to develop important skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

• Networking opportunities: Work-based learning can help learners build relationships with professionals in their chosen field, which can be invaluable when seeking future employment or career advancement.

• Increased motivation: Work-based learning can increase learner motivation by allowing them to see the relevance of what they are learning to their future careers. This can also improve learner engagement and retention.

• Employability: Work-based learning can enhance learners' employability by providing them with a combination of academic and practical skills and experiences that make them more attractive to potential employers.