Explore the impact of employer partnerships on student work experiences.
Workplace Learning benefits both students and employers by bridging classroom knowledge with real-world application—empowering students to gain confidence, build technical and professional skills, and clarify their career goals, while helping employers cultivate a stronger, more prepared talent pipeline.
Being given the option to work and get paid to learn was very appealing. Kent Harrington, Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Unsure whether college was the right path, Kent saw apprenticeships as a secure and practical way to explore career interests while gaining hands-on experience. The opportunity to earn while learning, combined with guaranteed job placement, made the choice clear. Through this experience, Kent discovered a passion for mechanical engineering and now plans to pursue an associate’s degree, with potential for further education down the road.
Throughout the apprenticeship, Kent gained extensive technical and workplace skills from operating CNC machinery and working across diverse teams to learning financial management and effective communication. In addition, Kent learned how to mentor others and adapt to various professional personalities and settings.
Thanks to Blum’s support - covering tuition and books - Kent has been able to focus on education and training without financial stress. Collaborating with peers through shared coursework enhanced both academic performance and job readiness. Inspired by the opportunity for international mobility and a broadened skill set, Kent is now motivated to continue growing in the industrial sector, possibly expanding into electrical work. For Kent, an apprenticeship offered clarity, stability, and momentum for a promising future.
Interested in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals? Partner with Workplace Learning to provide impactful apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities.
My WBL experience really helped me to prepare for the transition from student to professional. Yasha Washington, Graphic Design
For Yasha, Work-Based Learning (WBL) was more than a resume builder - it was a mindset shift. Entering the internship with anxiety about the professional world, Yasha quickly grew into a valuable team member, often carrying the full weight of a graphic design role. Yasha’s contributions were valued and the experience helped her confidently bridge the gap between student and professional.
Through collaboration with professionals from outside the design field, Yasha sharpened communication skills and learned to navigate diverse perspectives. The WBL experience strengthened Yasha’s creative abilities while also broadening her understanding of how design fits into cross-disciplinary environments.
One of the most impactful lessons came from being treated as a peer rather than a student. Yasha’s employer and program faculty helped her adopt the identity of a designer, not just a learner. That shift in mindset helped her launch into the workforce with confidence.
Want to help students grow into confident professionals? Engage with Workplace Learning to empower students to step boldly into their careers.
You learn about your strengths and areas of growth [through work-based learning]. Clarke Mingo, Human Services Technology
Initially introduced to Work-Based Learning (WBL) as a program requirement, Clarke quickly discovered how valuable the experience would become. With strong peer support and employer partnerships already established by the college, she and her classmates were able to secure meaningful opportunities that aligned with their goals. Clarke saw WBL as a chance to explore her interests in human services and gain clarity on her career path.
During her time in the field, Clarke applied key interpersonal skills like active listening, summarizing, and reflecting - skills taught in her interviewing techniques course. With daily interactions in a student-facing environment, Clarke grew more confident in public speaking and relationship building. Clarke’s employer emphasized the importance of setting professional boundaries, understanding workplace regulations, and being proactive about legal and ethical responsibilities. These lessons not only shaped her approach to the work but also helped Clarke understand how to advocate for herself and others.
Perhaps most impactful was the mentorship Clarke received. Her employer treated her like family, offering insider knowledge, training opportunities, and a broader view of career possibilities. Now considering a future in social work, Clarke credits WBL for helping her discover her strengths, refine her goals, and build a strong professional network early in her journey.
Ready to make a difference in students’ lives? Get involved by offering work-based learning experiences that help students grow personally and professionally.
My employer partner played a critical role in shaping my career outlook. Efrain Rodriguez
Efrain Rodriguez entered Work-Based Learning (WBL) seeking practical experience in the field of Geomatics Technology and found much more than they expected. By applying classroom knowledge in a professional environment, Efrain developed critical technical and interpersonal skills, gained real-world perspective, and explored potential career paths with confidence.
Through Efrain's WBL experience, he was able to sharpen his problem-solving and communication skills while learning how to navigate workplace dynamics and function effectively as part of a team. Efrain's employer played a significant role by offering guidance, meaningful responsibilities, and consistent mentorship.
Ultimately, this experience affirmed Efrain's passion for surveying and solidified his decision to pursue a career in Geomatics Technology. Efrain encourages other students to pursue WBL, calling it an essential step toward building both career readiness and personal growth.
Looking to help students gain real-world industry skills? Join us in creating work-based learning opportunities to fuel our community’s workforce.