This manual was prepared to help work experience coordinators, school administrators, and counselors in Alberta organize and operate a program that provides meaningful learning experiences for high school students. The manual is organized in nine chapters. The first four chapters introduce the concept of work experience programs; state the objectives of work experience education; define terms used in work experience programs; and describe the benefits of work experience education for students, schools, business and industry, and communities. In the fifth chapter, the manual suggests ways to define needs, develop policy, and set up an advisory committee, while in the sixth chapter, legislation pertaining to work experience education in Canada is outlined. The next chapter provides guidelines from the Alberta Department of Education and the Employment Standards Branch concerning work experience programs. Chapter 8 explains program organization, covering such topics as the coordinator's responsibilities, organization and paperwork, developing work stations, and planning and carrying out effective in-school instruction. The final chapter contains forms needed for a work experience education program. Appendixes to the manual contain an example of a board policy statement, frequently asked questions and answers, and tips for students. A list of recommended readings completes the document. (KC)