what’ s working
From Classroom to Career
Employers share examples and strategies for implementing middle and high school work-based learning experiences in the workplace.
Ariana Wilson
Employers like Summit Pacific, Munson Boats and Aspen Power Catamarans are creating new opportunities for students to learn practical skills and see career opportunities. While these programs build local talent and strengthen communities, challenges remain when it comes to funding and ensuring student awareness of these programs.
At A Glance
Companies small and large are partaking in work-based learning programs and shaping futures by creating a local pipeline of talent in a diverse range of fields.
The goal is to prepare the workforce for incoming high school students to discover unknown careers.
Funding is crucial. The lack of federal and state funding makes it harder to welcome a new generation of students into the workforce or allow them to explore crucial undervalued careers.
Washington in the Making 2040 www. wa2040. org
Northwest Career and Technical Academy www. nwtech. k12. wa. us
Washington Roundtable’ s
“ Skill up our future” brochure: www. waroundtable. com / wp-content / uploads / 2024 / 10 / SUWA _ Report. pdf
A transformative shift is underway in Washington, linking education directly to career paths through work-based learning. This hands-on approach gives students the chance to explore their passions without the burden of immediate long-term commitments, such as full degrees or extensive certifications. By diving into apprenticeships, internships, and job shadowing, young people are not just gaining skills— they’ re crafting their futures while simultaneously addressing the pressing demands of our state’ s workforce.
The Washington in the Making 2040 campaign outlines a 15-year economic roadmap focused on opportunity and community enrichment. The goal is to build on the existing support among the business community to create a future where 75 % of employers are stepping up to provide experiential learning opportunities to help prospective workers launch their careers. The objective of Washington in the Making 2040 is that 70 % of Washington students— regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds— will secure a postsecondary credential by age 26.
26 association of washington business