Earn money while building real experience
Our Paid Work-Based Learning program pairs students with local host businesses for hands-on On-the-Job Training — with support every step of the way.
What students can do
- Be matched with experiences based on interests, travel radius, schedule, and age
- Interview with support from a job coach
- Earn money while working in 6–8 week experiences
- Complete multiple experiences to build soft skills, transferable hard skills, resumes, and community connections
How it works
From first conversation to a completed work experience, students are supported by an NDCS specialist and job coach throughout.
- 1
Build a customized plan
An NDCS specialist meets one-on-one with each student to develop a plan based on their preferences and goals.
- 2
Match & interview
Students are matched with a host business by interest, schedule, travel radius, and age, and interview with job-coach support.
- 3
On-the-Job Training
Students earn money during 6–8 week experiences (averaging one to two months) with a job coach on the first day and regular check-ins.
- 4
Build a foundation
Students gain experience, work references, and community connections — and may repeat participation during eligibility.
Interested in work-based learning?
Reach out to talk through a student's interests and goals — we'll explain the next steps.
Contact NDCS