Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) are continuing their efforts to expand Work-based Learning (WBL) by showcasing the many ways that Iowa schools and employers are building the workforce pipeline across our state!
An initial webinar series took place from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, to highlight everything happening statewide in WBL - from building programs, utilizing apprenticeships, building relationships with businesses, and much more. This page includes a list of all recorded webinars and topics from the series.
The first webinar in the series talked about the opportunities for high-school students to enter WBL programs. The call featured IWD Executive Director Beth Townsend, representatives from UnityPoint, and other voices in the WBL community.
The second webinar in the series featured Apprenticeship programs - everything from apprenticeship to pre-apprenticeship, and what it really means to earn an industry-recognized credential. The webinar featured representatives from the Iowa Business Council, the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship, employers, Iowa high schools, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Iowa Work-Based Learning Coordinators.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024: Iowa Business Council’s ‘Top Four' List of Professional Proficiencies
The third webinar in the series featured the Iowa Business Council and focused on the top qualities Iowa businesses seek when hiring new employees. Hear from representatives of Iowa’s largest companies and school districts on how to help develop skills and how future job candidates can come equipped with the right tools for the job.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024: Where to Find Funding and Other Resources for Work-Based Learning
The fourth webinar in the series focused on where to find funding and other resources for Work-based learning and how your organization can connect with Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Office of Apprenticeship, and Iowa Department of Education staff to launch a Registered Apprenticeship program.
January 21, 2025: A Deep-Dive Into Work-based Learning Models in Iowa
The fifth webinar in the series covers a deep dive into Work-based Learning models in Iowa, including Pre-Apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship, and obtaining Industry-Recognized credentials.
February 11, 2025: A Deep-Dive Into Work-based Learning Models in Iowa
The sixth webinar in the WBL series explores the many tools from Labor Market Information can be the difference maker in making decisions about WBL programs. Join Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education as well as partners from the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and other organizations for this important webinar.
March 4, 2025: Work-Based Learning for Students with Disabilities
The seventh webinar in the WBL series highlights Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and the opportunities that they provide to help students with disabilities reach their employment goals.
April 8, 2025: Linking Perkins, CTSOs and Other Programs for Sustained Work-Based Learning
As the final webinar in the initial WBL series, this webinar will features models and success stories that showcase how WBL is building the workforce pipeline across Iowa.
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.
The DOE works closely with K-12 schools to prepare students for WBL opportunities, while IWD serves as a key connection point for employers to help create and sustain successful WBL programs that build the workforce pipeline.
