New schedule will build on the success of the initial series to bring more Iowans into the fold of WBL programs
DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) are expanding their efforts to grow work-based learning (WBL) by introducing a new series of webinars over the next few months. The new schedule builds on the success of an initial WBL series last fall to showcase some of the most proven programs and approaches to WBL in Iowa’s most in-demand industries.
The new webinar series kicks off on August 14, when two fire departments will be featured to highlight how their WBL programs are working with community partners to help launch new careers. Five additional webinars will take place in the months ahead.
Both employers and educators are highly encouraged to register for the series, which will help assist them in their efforts to explore and ultimately partner on meaningful WBL programs.
Learn how fire departments can expand opportunities for high students to take Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training, launching careers and benefiting communities. Le Mars Battalion Chief John MacGregor and Waukee Lt. Chandler Thayer will share how their departments do this in partnership with school districts and community colleges. Download flyer.
Agenda:
Welcome: Kathy Leggett, Iowa Workforce Development Business Engagement Liaison and Webinar Moderator
Why Fire Departments Providing EMT Training to High School Students Matters: Tracy Foltz, Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association President and Chief Medic, Sioux Center Ambulance
Le Mars Fire Department/Le Mars High School/Western Iowa Tech Community College Model:
John MacGregor, Le Mars Fire Department Battalion Chief
Dr. Mark Iverson, Le Mars High School Principal
Waukee Fire Department/Waukee APEX/Des Moines Area Community College Model:
Chandler Thayer, Waukee Fire Department Lieutenant
Kathleen Sender, Waukee Innovation and Learning Center Program Administrator
How Community Colleges Can Facilitate Fire Department High School EMT Training: Joel Otte, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science Education Coordinator, Des Moines Area Community College
Q & A Session
Conclusion: Kathy Leggett, Webinar Moderator
Employers and Educators: Building the Foundation of Work-Based Learning 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Register for the Webinar (Zoom)
Join us to explore how intentional planning connects students’ academic goals with real-world career experiences. Discover how educators and employers can collaborate to create meaningful pathways that prepare students for the workforce, while helping businesses cultivate future talent and strengthen their talent pipelines.
More information on this webinar will be released in the weeks ahead.
Hear from employers across Iowa about how they built their high school internship programs, the advantages of starting early to prepare the future workforce, and what they need from educators to sustain a successful work-based learning partnership.
More information on this webinar will be released in the weeks ahead.
Work-Based Learning: A Key Strategy to Address Iowa’s Healthcare Workforce Shortage 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Register for the Webinar (Zoom)
Find out more about healthcare labor market information and scalable work-based learning examples from employers and educators who are helping Iowans explore rewarding healthcare careers while building talent pipelines for employers.
More information on this webinar will be released in the weeks ahead.
Preparing Student-Learners for Construction and Advanced Manufacturing Careers 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Register for the Webinar (Zoom)
A student-learner program is a type of work-based learning experience with the potential to train 16- and 17-year-olds for careers in industries like construction and advanced manufacturing. Learn about the components that comprise a student-learner program.
More information on this webinar will be released in the weeks ahead.
Incorporating Industry-Recognized Credentials into Work-Based Learning 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Register for the Webinar (Zoom)
Work-based learning provides opportunities for high schools and community colleges to integrate industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) into courses and programs. Learn about which types of work-based learning are best suited for alignment with IRCs and how to integrate these credentials into existing and new work-based learning programs.
More information on this webinar will be released in the weeks ahead.
Iowa Workforce Development and its partners are committed to expanding the ability for businesses and schools to support successful work-based learning (WBL) programs. More resources are below.
