Work-based learning is an educational strategy that offers students the opportunity to connect classroom learning to authentic business/industry experiences. Work-based learning in Nevada is described as a continuum of experiences that help prepare students for postsecondary education and careers. The goal of work-based learning is to assist students to be college and career ready through authentic connections to business and industry in a field related to the student’s career interest.

• Work-based Learning Application (pdf)
• Nevada Employer Host Vetting Rubric (pdf)
• User Guide to Work-based Learning (pdf)

Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs) are also referred to as recognized postsecondary credentials. Section 3(52) of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines “recognized postsecondary credential” as a credential consisting of an industry-recognized certificate or certification, a certificate of completion of an apprenticeship, a license recognized by the State involved or Federal Government, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) utilizes the list maintained by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) to identify eligible IRCs. For more information regarding what is considered an IRC please refer to the information provided by OWINN.

• OWINN: Nevada Industry Recognized Credentials (External Site)

Additionally, the Office Of Career Readiness, Adult Learning, and Education Options (CRALEO) issued a guidance memo to Secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) Directors on September 11, 2025 regarding the utilization of IRCs for CTE.

NOTE: At the time of the memo, the CTE Certificate of Skill Attainment was not on the OWINN list of industry-recognized credentials. The CTE Certificate of Skill Attainment is now considered an IRC by OWINN as it was added to the list later in September 2025.

• September 2025 IRC Guidance Memo