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!
Registration is now open for the webinar series, which will focus on everything from building programs, utilizing apprenticeships, building relationships with businesses, and much more. The full schedule includes several webinars that are scheduled through Spring 2025.
This webinar will feature representatives from the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Workforce Development, and local school districts highlighting the various funding opportunities available to support work-based learning programs.
Welcome/Overview:
Overview of Work-Based Learning and the New State Definition - Heather Meissen, Administrative Consultant - CTE, Iowa Department of Education
Overview of WBL Resources
Department of Education Resources - Joe Collins, Education Program Consultant, Work-Based Learning and Health Science, Iowa Department of Education (5-10 minutes)
Iowa Workforce Development Resources - Abby Tibbetts, Work Based Learning Program Designer, Iowa Workforce Development (5-10 minutes)
How to Fund Work-Based Learning
STEM BEST Grant - Tanya Hunt, STEM BEST Program Coordinator, Iowa Department of Education
Summer Youth Intern Program - Melanie Johnson, Grants Program Coordinator, Iowa Workforce Development and Patrick Rice, Grants Administrator Bureau Chief, Iowa Workforce Development
84E and F - Ann Hoeppner, Apprenticeship Program Coordinator, Iowa Workforce Development
Private funding - Darell Butcher, Southeast Polk CSD
Funding sources for Community Colleges - Heather Meissen, Administrative Consultant - CTE, Iowa Department of Education
Conclusion
Q&A with Audience and Conclusion, Heather Meissen, Administrative Consultant - CTE, Iowa Department of Education
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, Nov. 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. (Recording of the webinar coming soon)
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.
