05.14.25
What Is Work-Based Learning? Why It Matters to Employers
By Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce, FMWF Chamber
Insights from The Chamber’s recent Workforce Webinar: What is work-based learning and how does it work?
What if you could meet your future employees before they graduate?
Imagine students contributing to your business—learning, growing and building real-world skills—before they ever enter the job market. Now imagine how much more prepared and aligned they’ll be if they one day join your team.
That’s the power of work-based learning (WBL)—a smart, scalable workforce development strategy that connects students to career experiences and helps businesses shape their future talent pipeline.
What Is Work-Based Learning (WBL)?
WBL blends education with hands-on experience. It allows students—especially those in career and technical education (CTE) or school-supported programs—to explore careers while businesses get early access to motivated, trainable talent.
WBL can include:
- Job shadows
- Internships
- Co-ops
- Apprenticeships
- Capstone projects
What Are the Business Benefits of WBL?
WBL isn’t one-size-fits-all. The impact is real when you make it custom to your business.
Participating businesses can:
- Develop future talent tailored to your workforce needs and culture
- Boost your brand with emerging professionals before they enter the job market
- Engage at low risk, with schools often covering insurance or payroll
- Support student career experience and strengthen our region’s workforce
Where Is Work-Based Learning Happening?
(Psst... It’s Closer Than You Think!)
WBL is gaining momentum throughout the region and state. With strong support from state education systems, workforce development programs and local employer partnerships, students are being connected to real career experiences—right now.
At The Chamber’s May 7 Workforce Webinar, leaders from schools and businesses confirmed it: Work-based learning works—and getting involved is easier than you might think.
Are You Ready to Take the First Step?
If you're looking to fill workforce gaps, develop talent or increase community impact, now’s the time to explore work-based learning.
Let’s connect—I'm happy to guide you through your next step.
Jane Vangsness Frisch, Chamber Vice President of Workforce | jvfrisch@fmwfchamber.com
Learn more at The Pulse of the Emerging Workforce
The Chamber has another opportunity that will help you learn more about the impact and potential of work-based learning—and how to make it work where you are. Join us on June 17 for The Pulse of the Emerging Workforce: Talent Development Through Work-Based Learning to discover how you can connect learning with life.
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