Comprehensive, high-quality career development includes work-based learning (WBL) experiences such as workplace tours, job shadowing, school-based enterprises, internships, and apprenticeships. In addition to the activities themselves, WBL is often best defined by a strong partnership between an education program, an employer, and a motivated student. While many work experiences from previous years allowed students release time from school to go to work, these opportunities were often limited and did not provide for a robust career-exploring opportunity required to build essential skills. Today's WBL is different since it is purposeful and includes the following characteristics: (1) aligns learning with the CTE program of study outcomes; (2) serves the student's interests and goals for developing specific skills and career exploration; and (3) meets a need for an employer who also understands. This document highlights foundations of WBL, promising practices, and beginning steps to ensure successful relationship-building with employers and a range of other issues important to the success of a WBL program. It concludes that establishing relevant and engaging WBL experiences does not happen by chance; it requires thoughtful leadership and perseverance, strong business partnerships, alignment between education and workplace learning, and much more. But the rewards can be impactful, providing students a "real world" experience that better prepare them to make a transition from the classroom to a career. More WBL is needed so that all students can benefit from these meaningful opportunities. [This report was sponsored by Xello.]