Category: Work Based Learning

Should You Do a Job Shadow?

Finding the Right Career Exploration Opportunities for High School Students

Author: Candice Boutelle

September 2024

Resource: Printable Job Shadow Infographic

Job Shadows are a career based learning experience (CBLE) that can have a tremendous impact on students who are engaged in identifying and pursuing a future career path. But are they right for everyone?

These “real world experiences” require collaboration from employers and career mentors who offer their expertise and resources. It’s important for students, parents, and educators to balance the desire for in-depth, highly individualized experiences with an understanding of the time and energy employers and career mentors invest in providing these experiences. When you consider the high volume of eligible students within a community and potential strain on engaged partners, ensuring that opportunities are well-matched with a student’s interest and readiness is critical to maintaining positive, productive partnerships. 

So…still think you (or your student) should do a job shadow? Read on to find out.

By aligning interests and strengths with real-world experiences, students can enter the next stage of life with confidence and clarity. Importantly, the right activities should be chosen based on each student’s maturity and readiness. If it is early in the career exploration stage, start small. Inspire Wisconsin has a continuum of experiences to support student exploration. Understanding that resources are expended and real people are notified as part of the job shadow request process should indicate the importance of the experience! 

To get this infographic in a printable format, click HERE (Printed on 2 sheets 8.5”x11” paper)

A New Role for Employers in Education

How US employers and educators can build a more nimble education system

Shared by Candice Boutelle

May 28, 2024

A recent study from Brookings Institute* examines the need for more comprehensive work based learning programs in the US, highlighting the need for strong business/education partnerships. 

*The Brookings Institution conducts independent research to improve policy and governance at the local, national, and global levels. Learn more at https://www.brookings.edu/

 There is a growing disconnect between the outcomes of U.S. education and training programs and the types of skills and experience that employers value. This limits career and education options for Americans without a college degree and makes it more difficult for employers to find and retain qualified talent.

 Minor tweaks won’t fully address this problem, Annelies Goger, Katherine Caves, and Hollis Salway argue. In a new report, they highlight the immense value of work-based learning opportunities and explain how employers can boost these programs by taking on a more active role in the education and training system. Read the report HERE