Work-Based Learning

New Mexico’s Vision For Work-Based Learning

New Mexico envisions a robust, career-connected education foundation that guides and supports students from primary through secondary and postsecondary education. This system integrates academic knowledge, technical skills, and Career Technical Education to prepare students for continued education and the modern workforce.

The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Framework

The NM Public Education Department (PED) and the NM Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS), with input gathered from local and regional workforce partners, school and career technical education (CTE) leaders, and community stakeholders, have worked together to create a framework for work-based learning (WBL) that integrates a range of guidance and resources to assist the field in aligning with a structure for quality WBL experiences that support student from the elementary grades through high school, and into pathways for post-secondary education, training, and entry into the workforce.

The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Framework establishes a shared statewide vision, expectations, and roles and responsibilities to support high-quality, equitable work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students across the state. The framework is designed to ensure consistency and alignment with state law while preserving local flexibility to respond to regional workforce needs, community strengths, and student interests.

Through this framework, New Mexico envisions WBL as a continuum of experiences that deepen over time—moving from awareness and exploration to preparation and entry—positioning students as active participants in their education and programs of study.

The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Toolkit

The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Framework defines the vision and purpose of WBL in New Mexico and is one component of the New Mexico Work-Based Learning Toolkit. The resources within the toolkit are designed to support schools in implementing WBL:

The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Framework establishes a shared statewide vision, expectations, and roles and responsibilities to support high-quality, equitable work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students across the state.
The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Continuum and Progression Guide demonstrates how WBL opportunities develop across grade levels.
The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Academic Credit and Graduation Alignment Guide explains how WBL experiences may count toward graduation requirements.
The New Mexico Work-Based Learning Quality, Evidence, and Readiness Guide provides tools for assessing readiness, documenting experiences, and ensuring quality.

Together, these resources support the development of sustainable, equitable, and high quality WBL systems across New Mexico.