Work-Based Learning Strategies

April 24, 2015

Amy Girardi

Deborah Kobes

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Models of Work-Based Learning

Internships

• Bounded period of real work experience that includes guided learning opportunities by employer and supplements an educational or training program

• Targeted to jobseekers

• Variations: – Co-op

– Paid

– Unpaid

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Work-Based Courses

• Credit-bearing college courses that are co-designed and co-taught by college faculty and employers to meet academic course learning objectives in a way that maximizes, formalizes, and assesses learning that occurs on the job

• Targeted to incumbent workers

• Example: Jobs to Manufacturing Careers – JFF project conducted in partnership with Owensboro Community and Technical College

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On-the-Job Training

• Employer provides formalized training on the job site that is needed for specific occupations

• Targeted primarily to jobseekers, can be for incumbent workers

• Example: National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Boeing OJT project –10 OJT programs across the country, placing 101 individuals with 39 manufacturers

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Apprenticeship

• Combination of formalized workplace learning and classroom learning to develop highly skilled workers, lasts up to several years

• Targeted primarily to incumbent workers, can be for jobseekers

• Variations– Registered

– Unregistered

• Example: Bunker Hill Community College – Taxation Program, linked with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue leading to an Associate degree or certificate.

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Mentorship Models

• Learn and Earn mentorship rotations focused on providing variations of work experience, exposure to a wide array of careers, and transferrable skills.

• Targeted to jobseekers, primarily Opportunity Youth

• Variations:– YouthBuild

• Example: Tulane University Earn and Learn Program with Delgado Community College

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Implementation Considerations

• What are your specific goals for work-based learning?

• Who is your target population?

• Who are your partners? (Education and training providers, local industry associations, employers, other stakeholders?)

• If local employers are already on board, what are their needs and expectations from work-based learning? If not on board, what do you need to communicate to them for buy-in?

• What resources are available to you, both in terms of funding and capacity-building for design?

Thank you!

• Amy Girardi, agirardi@jff.org

• Deborah Kobes, dkobes@jff.org

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