Introduction to WBL and The Career Hub

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember, Involve me and I learn” - Benjamin Franklin 

Involved employers have a tremendous impact on the success of work-based learning (WBL). In return, the benefits they receive are significant. 

Work-based learning is: a continuum of opportunities offered either inside or outside the workplace. These experiences align classroom and workplace learning and allow students to develop and apply academic, technical and employability skills in a work setting.

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WBL benefits employers by: closing the skills gap, and helping to ensure that the skills students graduate with are the skills employers need. WBL gives employers a direct, no-obligation recruiting line to new talent, and the benefit of new ideas, making knowledge transfer a two-way street. Companies who support their local communities derive great positive benefits in public perception and in employee engagement. 


The Career Hub features that benefit employers;

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  1. One point of contact to share WBL opportunities and jobs through the Careerhub website with partner schools across region

  2. Provides a primary point of contact at one school site (WBL Connector) as liaison

  3. Scales WBL opportunities across the region

  4. Facilitates workplace preparation including development of employability skills prior to placement of internship students 

  5. Shares best practices for WBL experiences through a resource library for employers

  6. Provides professional development for host employers

  7. Facilitates an opportunity to meet with educators in a regional convening to share workplace and student needs

  8. Builds a regional competency and commitment that is greater than the sum of each partner's individual capabilities


Why WBL matters:

Research and student outcomes show that work-based learning is a necessity for students and employers alike. Both groups benefit when classroom content is relevant and up-to-date with the latest industry trends.  

Work-based learning depends on workplaces participating in the process. Employers have a key role to play in the design and implementation of WBL, from providing input on the job market needs of today and the future, to designing the workplace experience and providing appropriate opportunities.

We have a skills gap in the USA. In a recent U.S. study, 73% of employers perceived that it was “very or somewhat difficult” to find qualified candidates for jobs, and about 34% said schools have not properly prepared students for jobs.

Educators realize that students going to where the workplace knowledge is, rather than remaining in the classroom, is how most students prefer to learn. This makes WBL a natural fit for closing the skills gap - and when employers connect directly with schools, they can shape the technical and employability skills their future employees need. 

You can help: 

By partnering with The Career Hub you can support the development of skills for local students by;

  1. Offering WBL opportunities

  2. Offering jobs

  3. Connecting with educators to share workplace needs

  4. Offering teacher externships

  5. Participating on advisory boards

  6. Supporting low-income students with stipends for internship participation

  7. Donating equipment & materials