At Ideal CTE Academy, students don't just learn about careers they work in them. Our work-based learning (WBL) model turns classrooms into career labs, giving students the chance to earn, explore, and lead while completing their education.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) connects academic instruction with hands-on experience. Every Ideal CTE Academy student participates in structured, supervised, and paid work opportunities aligned with their career pathway.
Students apply classroom knowledge in real-work settings
Industry mentors and certified instructors guide performance
Hours and competencies tracked for credit and credentialing
Students earn income while building resumes and portfolios
On-campus enterprise projects
Off-site internships and apprenticeships
Remote and hybrid work experiences
Entrepreneurship and small business ownership
Ideal CTE Academy's work-based learning network is powered by Ideal Social Enterprise Models — real businesses managed by Ideal CTE Academy, operated by students while they learn. Each enterprise connects directly to a CTE pathway and provides a paid, supervised work-based learning experience.
Students gain hands-on construction experience in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and green energy. Work on real construction projects including tiny homes, community structures, and renovation projects.
Students create videos, animations, and marketing content for real clients. Produce commercials, podcasts, and digital content through our in-house media enterprise.
Students manage web design, cybersecurity, and IT service projects. Gain real-world experience in technology consulting and digital transformation.
Students engage in 3D printing, manufacturing, and prototype development for startups. Design and produce real components for local businesses.
Students learn restaurant operations, catering, and event management.
Students earn income while learning
Direct mentorship from professionals
Work with actual clients and projects
Develop professional work samples
The Entrepreneurship Magnet Program transforms students into creators and innovators. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and small business incubation, students learn to launch and scale their own ventures often before graduation.
Build and manage marketing campaigns
Launch and operate e-commerce stores
Manage events and food services
Design and fabricate products
Ideal CTE Academy's internship model gives students meaningful, project-based roles in professional settings. Each placement is coordinated with our partner network and aligned to the student's academic and career pathway.
Students support in-house enterprises and administrative operations, gaining foundational work experience in a familiar environment.
Partner with local businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits to address real community needs and challenges.
Advanced students intern with employers in their trade or technical field, building professional networks and skills.
Ideal CTE Academy believes that learning should also uplift communities. Through service-learning and community projects, students apply technical skills to address real local needs — developing civic responsibility and empathy alongside career readiness.
Students build small structures for community organizations, providing essential infrastructure while mastering construction skills.
Producing media for nonprofits and public service campaigns that raise awareness and drive social impact.
Supporting digital literacy workshops for seniors, bridging the technology gap in our community.
Developing websites for local entrepreneurs, helping small businesses establish their digital presence.
Participating in environmental restoration and clean energy initiatives that promote sustainability.
Collaborating with social service organizations to support vulnerable populations in our community.
City of Pleasantville • Jewish Family Services • Center for Family Success • Local school districts and youth organizations
Every work-based learning experience leads to tangible outcomes:
Count toward graduation
NCCER, CompTIA, Adobe, OSHA
Resume development support
Post-graduation placement
"My WBL project at Ideal Builders taught me teamwork, leadership, and time management and helped me land a full-time apprenticeship."
Employers, educators, and community organizations are invited to collaborate with Ideal CTE Academy to host interns, co-design curriculum, or co-sponsor enterprise projects.
Provide real-world experience
Support enterprise labs
Mock interviews and fairs
Guide program development
Access skilled talent
Train future workforce