Colleges are reporting that their students and parents have limited awareness of work-based learning, so says a commentary from Urban Institute fellow Karen Gardiner in a Higher Ed Dive commentary titled “Not Enough Students Know About Work-Based Learning.”
A paragraph from the article states, “But more to the point, most people, including college graduates, do not learn how to do a job by sitting in the classroom. They learn on the job, under supervisors, mentors and peers. Alternative pathways prioritize this hands-on learning.”
As an Early College High School, your Work-Based Learning opportunities for students provide that hands-on, real-world, career-relevant experiences early. The article highlights apprenticeship opportunities and their “earn-and-learn” power. For Early College High Schools, apprenticeship integration is core to the P-Tech-style early college programs in other states.
For New Mexico, leveraging relationships with the local Workforce Board can help schools identify and launch funded pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships that would provide these tied to post-graduation employment. Students then have greater opportunities for their post-high school plans: go straight into high-demand, well-paying careers and/or pursue higher degrees.
Expanding choices for students creates a win-win for students, families, employers, and the community at large.