Work Based Learning

Work Based Learning Continuum and Readiness Assessment 

 

Work Based Learning Incubator Webinar Series 

Colorado’s labor market is evolving faster than ever. Students and job seekers are engaging in learning experiences to help them develop advanced and adaptable skill sets that are necessary to compete in the complex global marketplace.

While not a new strategy, work-based learning is one way education and training systems are partnering with business to ensure that students have the skills and career exposure needed to build pathways to meaningful careers.

The Colorado Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness and the Colorado Workforce Development Council are excited to launch the Work-based Learning Incubator taking place from September 2020 through June 2021. The incubator is designed to support the development of work-based learning programs in Colorado schools and school districts and share resources and promising practices with K-12 educators.  

Find the webinar information below. If you have questions about the community of practice email kelly.mitchell@state.co.us. Application information will be posted in September when available.

2020-2021 Work-based Learning Incubator - Monthly Webinar Series:
More information can be found HERE
All webinars will take place on the second Thursday of each month at 3 p.m.

• September 19, 2017: Incubator Orientation (Download Webinar) 
  • Webinar PowerPoint 
• October 15-17, 2017: TalentFOUND Sector Summit, Keystone, CO 

• November 14, 2017: Policy and Resource Alignment (Webinar)
• January 16, 2018: Career Advising (Webinar)
• February 20, 2018: Measurement & Evaluation (Webinar)
• March 20, 2018: Engaging Partners to Leverage WBL (Webinar)

Guidance Regarding Work Based Learning 

October Count Guidance Regarding Work-based Learning Experience Courses 

Research and Models of Practice 

Promising Practices in Work-based Learning for Youth 

This paper from the National Skills Coalition profiles four different work-based learning programs that target at-risk youth in different career pathways. The paper features the Manufacturing Careers Internship Program (MCIP) in Northeast Illinois; the Urban Alliance in Baltimore, Chicago, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC; the Conservation Corps of Long Beach (CCLB); and the Guilford Apprenticeship Partnership (GAP) in North Carolina. The paper draws on each of these examples to define the following key policy elements for work-based learning:

• Paid work-based learning opportunities, with wages provided either through employer, provider, or combination of the two;
• Strong partnerships with business and other community stakeholders;
• Positive youth development and continued support services; and
• Linkages to career pathways either through future employment opportunities or future education and training opportunities.

Quick Links

Registered Apprenticeships for High School Youth- A framework on registered apprenticeships for high school youth developed by the US Department of Labor. 

Career-Wise Colorado- Uniting businesses and educators to provide business-led, student centered apprenticeships beginning junior year of high school. 

Denver Opportunity Youth Initiative- A partnership between the Denver Chamber of Commerce and businesses aimed at providing education, career opportunities and support to opportunity youth ages 16-24 in the Denver Metro Area. 

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