Exploring work-based learning: A win-win for career seekers and employers

As summer winds down, we often see an increase in people exploring new career opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to make a change, or trying to grow your business, now is a great time to consider work-based learning as part of your strategy.
So, what exactly is work-based learning? This includes opportunities such as on-the-job training, internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and upskilling programs for both new hires and current employees. While each of these opportunities has its own structure and purpose, the core idea remains the same: connecting career seekers with hands-on, real-world experience while helping employers build and retain a strong workforce.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) defines work-based learning as “a continuum of activities, both in and outside the workplace, that provides students with real-life work experiences where they can apply academic and technical skills and develop their employability.”
Some of these experiences are paid, others are unpaid, and some provide opportunities for wage growth as new skills are developed. Regardless of the format, work-based learning consistently delivers meaningful outcomes for both individuals and businesses.
Consider this: 80% of employers report that students who had work-based learning experiences are more prepared for the workforce than those who did not. (National Network of Business and Industry Associations / Business Roundtable, 2020)
At Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), we’ve recently launched new Work-Based Learning tools designed to help employers easily explore and implement these programs within their organizations. The benefits are clear:
For Career Seekers: Gain practical experience, build confidence, develop career readiness, and become more competitive in the job market.
For Businesses: Develop a pipeline of skilled workers, improve employee retention, support internal advancement, and strengthen community partnerships.
Stephen Downs, production manager at Design Ready Controls and a member of the Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development Board, explains it this way:
“I am extremely interested in developing and mentoring the youth entering the workforce today, through work-based learning opportunities. I feel that if we give opportunities and coaching to those just entering the workforce, we can develop productive members of society as well as future leaders. They are the future of the workforce, and we need to give them every opportunity to grow and become free thinkers who will develop others in the future.”
The best part? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you’re unsure about the legal details, program requirements, or where to begin—we’re here to help with tools and resources to support you.
Reach out to your local WDI office, or feel free to contact me directly to learn more.
Jinny Rietmann is executive director of Workforce Development, Inc. in Owatonna, one of 10 offices throughout southeast Minnesota. She may be reached at JRietmann@wdimn.org.