Discover how work-based learning (WBL) can be used as a workforce development strategy during three free lunch-hour webinars in May.
Golden Path Solutions, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, and FARMS are partnering to provide practical guidance on how to start a WBL program at your company to connect with high school and college students and build your future workforce.
Chances are, your company is already offering student work opportunities that could easily qualify as WBL. Work-based learning is a term often used in high schools to describe hands-on work experiences that also earn academic credit. These opportunities include everything from mentorships and job shadows to internships and summer jobs.
By partnering with high schools and colleges, providing meaningful job opportunities, and documenting the process, companies can help students earn credit while also fostering connections with potential future employees.
“Workforce Webinars: Find Your Future Employees with Work-Based Learning” will be held during three one-hour sessions at noon May 7, 9, and 15. Led by Golden Path Founder and CEO Patrick Mineer and FMWF Chamber Vice President of Workforce Jane Vangsness Frisch, the sessions will also feature expert WBL guest speakers.
Session 1: What is work-based learning and how does it work?
Noon, Wednesday, May 7
Microsoft Teams
Get started with WBL with this helpful introduction session! Gain a high-level understanding of WBL, the many qualifying work opportunities, and how to connect with interested students. You will also learn more about considerations around insurance, whether opportunities should be paid or unpaid, how different schools manage WBL, and what expectations you should have with your WBL students.
State leaders in Minnesota and North Dakota will join us for this session including: Dawn Ulmer, Strategic Projects Manager for North Dakota Career & Technical Education (NDCTE); Mary Berg, Work-Based Learning Education Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education; Art Thompson, Director of North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance; Becky Bahe, Director of the Career and Advising Center at North Dakota State University; Jaci Gately, Workforce Programs Lead at Job Service North Dakota Cass County; and Lana Feeley, CTE Business Partner Liaison for Fargo Public Schools.
Session 2: How can you use WBL as a workforce development strategy?
Noon, Friday, May 9
Microsoft Teams
Discover how WBL can help you build a talent pipeline. Learn how WBL can be a feeder system to other opportunities you offer, including jobs right after graduation, tuition reimbursement programs, apprenticeships, and more. You will explore how WLB experiences work together with Career Profiles in Golden Path’s online platform Compass to help students learn more about your company and careers while helping you establish a positive brand image in schools and your community.
Guest speakers include: Denise Jonas, Director for Career and Technical Education for the Cass County Career & Technical Education Center in West Fargo; and Tom Dryburgh, Advisor and Community Outreach Coordinator at the Moorhead High School Career Academy.
Session 3: A deep dive on work-based learning for construction and ag industries
Noon, Thursday, May 15
Microsoft Teams
See how WBL works for the construction and ag industries. We will discuss what students can and can’t do in North Dakota and Minnesota, specific OSHA considerations, insurance requirements, and WBL best practices. Hear from a few employers about their success stories and explore how you can leverage other programs to drive student interest in these specific industries, including summer camps, career and technical student organizations like FFA and SkillsUSA, and more.
Guest speakers include: Bryce Johnson, CEO of the Builders Industry Association in Fargo, and Jane Vangsness Frisch on behalf of FARMS.
Register today for the free webinar series and discover how to connect with future employees. Join for one session or all three—whatever fits your schedule and interests. Each session is designed to stand alone and recordings will be available.