Operational Guidance | OG 07-2025: Work-based Learning Comprehensive Guidance

This guidance establishes consistent guidelines and procedures for North Carolina's Local Area Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) to implement, manage, and sustain work-based learning (WBL) and training opportunities. This guidance aligns the types of WBL efforts identified by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) into a single, comprehensive work-based learning framework. It also enhances the collection and tracking of data related to employers participating in WBL, including the sources of funding used to support wages, wage reimbursements, and training costs.

In alignment with the USDOL’s Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 21-22 and the Work-Based Learning Training Programs and Grants Commission Policy Statement (CPS), North Carolina is advancing efforts to improve data collection and tracking related to employer engagement in WBL. Strengthening data systems will allow the state to better assess the effectiveness of WBL strategies across key dimensions, including employer participation by size, industry, and location. This data-driven approach supports the state’s strategic goals - outlined in Governor Stein’s Executive Order No. 11 Directing North Carolina’s Progress on Workforce Development, and the NCWorks Commission’s Strategic Plan - such as expanding employer involvement in WBL and aligning workforce services with labor market demand. The WDBs should be able to provide accurate data and information on expenditures for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training programs, including work-based training programs.

This Operational Guidance (OG) rescinds OG 22-2021, Change 1, OG 02-2021, and OG 24-2021. The procedures herein supersede all previous policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding On-the-Job (OJT) Training, Incumbent Worker Training (IWT), and Work Experience (WEX).