Work Based Learning Continuum and Readiness Assessment
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.
Work based learning incubator began in October 2017, the Colorado Department of Education, in collaboration with the Colorado Workforce Development Council, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, the Colorado Community College System and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment hosted a Work-based Incubator series.
- September 19, 2017: Incubator Orientation (Download Webinar)
- 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)
For more information, please contact Renise.walker@state.co.us
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 provice business-led, student centered apprenticeships beginning junior year of highschool.
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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