Work-and-Learn programs are a solid way of surmounting the challenges that are presented to the modern workforce. These problems can be summarized in four critical areas. First, today’s jobs require individuals to have far more specific, technical skills than in the past. Second, staffing and companies are becoming much smaller, so the employees in these companies need to be very agile and responsive to change. Third, employee demographics are are changing drastically as baby boomers retire and the X & Y generations are filling leadership roles. Most of all is that technology is changing rapidly so there is a driving need for employees who can innovate and acquire new skills continuously.
Thankfully there is a resource that can introduce you to the nuts & bolts of Work-and-Learn programs. This guide, that has been created by the National Network, will provide you with short summaries of programs which deliver immediate results to companies who are big or small. As a result, the contents are intended to introduce employers, educators, and others to the wide range of options in the Work-and-Learn continuum. Most of all, we want to help these groups find an approach that works for their organization and community and we believe that this guide does just that.
Here is a brief summary of what you can expect to learn within the pages of this guide:
Table of Contents
- Closing Skills Gaps through Work-and-Learn Programs
- 21st Century Work-and-Learn Models
- Next Steps
- Value of Work-and-Learn to the Employer, the Learner, and Community.
- Questions to Consider When Designing a Work-and-Learn Program
- Model Profiles
- Descriptions of Common Work-and-Learn Models
- A Glossary of Terms
The content will also address questions such as:
- What are the program goals & objectives?
- What are the workforce needs and model selections?
- The alignment with company culture.
- How do we recruit members for this program?
- The value to participants of the program.