Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is rolling out a series of webinars along with a new web site to showcase how Work-based Learning (WBL) efforts are aiding schools and employers in building the Iowa’s workforce pipeline.
“This unique series provides an incredible opportunity to increase awareness about the advantages and value in creating a successful work-based learning program in your community,” said Beth Townsend, IWD’s executive director. “The series will demonstrate different models of Work-based Learning that fit many different industries and occupations.”
The webinars were launched in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education. The first webinar, which took place Tuesday, Oct. 1, was entitled “High School Work-based Learning: An Essential Tool to Prepare Students for Careers.”
Registration now is open for the series’ second webinar on Monday, Oct. 21, which will focus on apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and industry-recognized credentials.
In a news release, Ms. Townsend said the webinars “also highlight the benefits of work-based learning in helping build soft skills, creating awareness of opportunities in our own backyard as well as provide additional tools for employers building their current and future workforce.”
The series comes on the heels of a new website that IWD launched to educate Iowans on WBL and how to launch these programs in their communities.
“We hope this series will spur creation of new work-based learning programs across Iowa,” Ms. Townsend said in a news release.
To join a webinar
The webinar schedule is as follows:
- Monday, Oct. 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Jump-Start Careers: Apprenticeship, Pre-Apprenticeship and Industry-Recognized Credentials. Register here.
- Tuesday, Nov. 5: Adult Work-Based Learning: How Employers Can Tap into a Key Talent Pool.
- Tuesday, Dec. 10: Where to Find Funding and Other Resources for Work-Based Learning.
- Tuesday, Jan. 21: A Deeper Dive into Starting and Expanding Work-Based Learning.
- Tuesday, Feb.11: Using Labor Market Information to Drive Work-Based Learning Decisions.
For more information, visit Iowa Workforce Development’s WBL Webinars page.
