Work-Based Learning Business Opportunities

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Larimer County Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) Opportunities for Your Business

Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development received federal funding to support workforce innovation, the Workforce Innovation Grant. The Goal of the Workforce Innovation Grant is to help solve pressing workforce challenges by financially supporting innovative pandemic-recovery plans that will;

Help build in-demand skills; or
Connect workers and learners to quality jobs; or
Drive employer engagement in employee development

WIG recipients have opportunities for business engagement

Are you looking to enhance your business and provide valuable learning experiences for aspiring professionals? Look no further! WIG recipients offer a range of work-based learning opportunities designed to benefit both your organization and eager learners.

NoCo Xello Strategic Initiative to Increase Work-Based Learning

Overview/Goals

Supported by the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and in collaboration with Poudre, Thompson, Estes Park School Districts and Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins, the K-12 Work-Based Learning Business Liaison will work to increase business partnerships and work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students across our region.

Work-Based Learning with Xello

Work-based learning (WBL) provides high school students the chance to participate in meaningful work as it relates to their anticipated career pathway(s) so while individuals are still in high school they receive school credit and real world job experience. WBL Coordinators are teachers at the high schools who help students navigate their unique journey. Students are utilizing an electronic platform called Xello to research career pathways and ultimately, Xello connects high school students to WBL opportunities offered by businesses in the community.

Stefanie Merrell, K-12 Work-Based Learning Business Liaison

Stefanie’s position is unique because it sits on the business side of work-based learning. Her role is to connect to businesses who may benefit from the area’s captured audience of work-ready students and to explain WBL benefits and outcomes. If it’s a good fit, businesses are onboarded into the Xello platform so the business can post their jobs (paid part-time, internships, apprenticeships) to students. Stefanie also works with the high school WBL Coordinators on where student interests lie so she can reach out to businesses to help find opportunities for students.

Contact Stefanie for more information on Xello or how your business can connect to our local K-12 students for work-based learning opportunities.

Additional Information

Connect with Stefanie Merrell, K-12 Work-Based Learning Business Liaison:

Email: smerrell.WBLconnection@outlook.com.
Phone: (970) 443-0969
Online: NoCoInspire.org

What are types of work-based learning opportunities?

Internships: Provide short-term placements for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in specific roles or departments within your organization. Internships can be structured as full-time or part-time commitments and offer a mutually beneficial learning experience.
Apprenticeships: Establish apprenticeship programs to train individuals in specialized skills while they work alongside experienced professionals. Apprenticeships are an effective way to address skill gaps and develop a pipeline of skilled workers.
Job Shadowing: Host individuals who are interested in exploring your industry. Job shadowing allows them to observe your employees' daily activities, gain insight into different roles, and make informed career decisions.

Why engage in work-based learning?

Skill Development: Work-based learning allows individuals to gain practical skills relevant to your industry. By participating in real-world projects and tasks, they acquire hands-on experience that complements their theoretical knowledge.
Talent Acquisition: It's an excellent opportunity for your business to identify talented individuals who may become future employees. Engaging with motivated learners allows you to assess their capabilities, work ethic, and potential cultural fit within your organization.
Fresh Perspectives: Embracing work-based learning introduces a fresh influx of ideas and perspectives to your business. Learners often bring innovative thinking and a willingness to challenge the status quo, which can drive creativity and problem-solving within your teams.
Mentoring and Networking: Engaging with work-based learners enables your employees to take on mentoring roles, fostering leadership skills and creating a culture of knowledge sharing. Additionally, learners often build professional networks during their work-based experiences, opening doors to valuable industry connections.