Build Your Future Workforce
Work-based learning (WBL) is a practical workforce strategy that helps employers connect with students, support career exploration and strengthen the future workforce. Whether you’re ready to host a job shadow or want to learn what’s possible, we can help you take the next step.
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The Chamber is proud to partner with Golden Path Solutions and other workforce partners across the region to help employers tap into work-based learning (WBL) as a practical workforce development strategy. Through this collaboration, employers can explore Compass, an innovative platform that connects local businesses with high school students based on traits, interests, and talents to support early career exploration and meaningful real world experiences.
This partnership began in 2025 with a Work-Based Learning webinar series built around employer needs and continues to grow with added guidance, resources and discounted pricing on select Compass services for Chamber members. Learn how to use work-based learning to build your future workforce — discover employer-friendly ways to engage emerging talent, create impactful opportunities, and strengthen the future workforce across our region.
- Support career exploration through real world learning
- Connect with students based on interests and strengths
- Keep work-based learning opportunities organized and accessible
Workforce News and Stories
Partners in Leadership: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Through Work-Based Learning
Learn how Golden Path Solutions is working with the FMWF Chamber to grow work-based learning and strengthen the regional workforce.
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What Is Work-Based Learning? Why It Matters to Employers
Start reading for insights from The Chamber’s recent Workforce Webinar: What is work-based learning and how does it work?
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Moving the Needle: Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Needs
Learn what’s holding the advanced manufacturing workforce back—and how funding, policy and advocacy could unlock new opportunities.
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Workforce Webinars: Find Your Future Employees with Work-Based Learning
Discover how work-based learning (WBL) can be used as a workforce development strategy during three free lunch-hour webinars in May.
Read MoreWBL Webinar Series
Short sessions designed to help employers understand work-based learning and take action.
Session 1
What is work-based learning?
In this kickoff session of our Work-Based Learning series, we’ll provide a high-level overview of what WBL is and how it functions as a key tool in connecting students to the workforce. We’ll explore the different types of WBL experiences, how and when they can be offered to students, and the range of opportunities available—from job shadows to internships and beyond.
Session 2
Work-based learning as a talent development strategy
In Session 2 of our Work-Based Learning series, we’ll explore how WBL can serve as a feeder system into your broader workforce development efforts. Learn how WBL can connect students with career opportunities at your company—whether that means direct employment after graduation, participation in tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs, entry into registered apprenticeships, or other structured pathways to employment.
Session 3
Work-based learning for construction and ag industries
In Session 3 of our Work-Based Learning series, we’ll take a closer look at how WBL applies specifically to the construction and agriculture industries—two critical and in-demand sectors in our region. We’ll walk through what students can and can’t do during WBL experiences in these industries in both North Dakota and Minnesota, and provide guidance on more specific OSHA regulations, insurance requirements, and safety considerations. We’ll also share suggested best practices for developing and managing successful WBL experiences in these fields.