In today’s job market, many students feel they are doing everything “right” (earning credentials, completing programs, etc.) but still struggling to land the career they want.
Much of that has to do with the fact that today’s recruiters are looking for more than a degree — they’re looking for experience, connections, and real-world skills.
To meet the needs of the current moment, the Community College of Denver is taking a Work-Based Learning approach, to ensure that CCD’s programs not only equip students with the knowledge and skills they need, but with industry insights and connections that help set them apart.
What is Work-Based Learning?
“Apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities are key to creating the workforce of the future. We must expand opportunities for students and workers of all ages to get the training they need to start or build careers that support them and their families.” — Gov. Jared Polis
In its simplest form, WBL is learning about work through work. Through hands-on career experience, students can advance their academic goals and professional development under the tutelage of their professor and the mentors they meet in the field.
WBL can take on a variety of different forms. Internships, cooperative education, job shadowing, inviting guest speakers to the classroom, and more are all examples of Work Based Learning opportunities that allow students to progress in their academic programs and careers.
What’s more, students who engage with WBL see improved academic and professional outcomes. In terms of job placement, students who engage with work-based learning greatly increase their chances of landing a job outside of college compared to those who don’t. Additionally, students who take advantage of WBL opportunites are more likely to have a higher earning potential.
Moreover, WBL helps students expand their network, enabling them to make connections and establish momentum for moving up in their career before they even graduate.
How to Take Advantage of Work Based Learning at CCD
"At the Community College of Denver, we recognize that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom. We are committed to providing students with work-based learning opportunities that connect academic knowledge to real-world experience, helping them develop the skills, confidence and professional networks needed to thrive in today's workforce." — Allana Farley, Career Connected Learning Director
The Community College of Denver is uniquely positioned to offer WBL opportunities to students. Students can feel confident knowing that their programs have been designed in consult with industry leaders, ensuring that CCD curriculum is tailored to the needs of the modern workforce. In some cases, WBL is baked directly into the curriculum, such as stackable credentials pathways within the Behavioral Health program, and internship credit courses within the Communications, Accounting, Health Sciences, and Early Childhood Education programs.
Beyond that, the office of Career Connected Learning (CCL) through the Center for Workforce Initiatives spearheads CCD’s WBL opportunities, serving to connect CCD students’ academic experiences to meaningful careers. CCL provides success workshops, networking events, skill labs, career events, and offers resources like Handshake and Riipen to ensure that students have a variety of WBL opportunities they can take advantage of.
To learn more about CCD’s work-based learning opportunities, click here.
