Posted on October 20, 2022 at 2:30 PM by Monica Clark
Learning at Community Colleges in Iowa and across the country has long been rooted in direct connections to industries and current work opportunities. Colleges are highly responsive to the needs of their local regional economies, tailoring programs to available jobs, and ensuring that their teaching keeps up with industry trends and technological shifts.
Work-based learning (WBL) has grown in popularity in recent years as educators recognize the importance of real-world experiences in solidifying learning and preparing students for their futures. Iowa’s Community Colleges have long been at the center of this effort and have helped to ensure high-quality experiences with strong learning outcomes and real connections to business.
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In Iowa, WBL is defined as a continuum of experiences from awareness of career opportunities to specific on-the-job training, and our Community Colleges play a key role in the system. Intermediary Network The Iowa Intermediary Network consists of coordinators and other staff at Iowa’s 15 Community Colleges who bring K-12 and business together to create meaningful experiences for students. Experiences include career fairs, tours, job shadows, job fairs, mock interviews, career immersions, internships, apprenticeships, and more. The Intermediary Network has led these efforts for more than 15 years. |
Embedded Work-Based Learning
Iowa’s Community Colleges also embed work-based learning throughout college courses and programs. Hundreds of courses across the state embed everything from job shadows and speakers to internships and clinical experiences. This also includes supporting registered and other apprenticeships in several ways. Some directly coordinate apprenticeships for area businesses and others are partners in validating educational experiences and providing college credits.
Beyond specific programs and courses, staff and faculty throughout our Colleges contribute to finding experiences for students and helping ensure they are successful. Staff from admissions, advising, and career services help make connections to businesses and coordinate the experiences they and students are looking for. Faculty work to not only coordinate experiences, but ensure they are connected to meaningful learning, skill-building, and exploration.
College Work-Based Learning Pages
To find college-specific information, check out these pages to find out more.
Northeast Iowa Community College
North Iowa Area Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College
Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Valley Community College District
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Des Moines Area Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Iowa Western Community College
Southwestern Community College
Indian Hills Community College
Southeastern Community College
Videos and Podcasts
If you’re on the go or your reading eyes need a break, check out these YouTube videos and podcasts that take a closer look at work-based learning in our state.
Videos
Commitment to work-based learning at IWCC
Work-based learning making an impact in Iowa Community
Commitment to Work-Based Learning: Kreg Tool Company
Full Speed Ahead: Collaborative Career Pathways and Work-based learning in Iowa
Commitment to Work-Based Learning: Afinitas
Commitment to Work-Based Learning: ATEK
Podcast Episodes
Mission Employable Episode 93: Work-Based Learning Works!
Mission Employable Episode 98: Clearing the Road for the Next Generation