Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the PASSHE Foundation are launching a pilot initiative with major employers to significantly increase work-based learning that provides real-world experiences for PASSHE university students. Work-based learning, including paid internships and apprenticeships, enhances a student’s higher education and launches graduates into better jobs with higher incomes, which positively impacts their long-term earnings and economic mobility.
Work-based Learning (WBL) is used to create an opportunity to collaboratively engage employers and schools in providing structured learning experiences to better equip students for skilled work and more challenging roles within their industries of choice.
“The State System is incredibly excited to partner with Highmark Health and the Strada Education Foundation on this innovative initiative,” said PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein. Together, we can connect classroom learning with real-work experiences and strategically build a better process for connecting students and employers. Ultimately, that will help launch more students into great careers and provide the workforce talent that employers need“. Chancellor Dan Greenstein
Research from the Strada Education Foundation indicates that students who engage in high-quality work-based learning, especially paid internships, are more confident in their skills, more likely to secure higher-paying jobs after graduation, and more satisfied with their education and career choices
The Shippensburg University Career Center is dedicated to partnering with faculty and bringing employers into the classroom as well as taking students to various industry sites. This approach helps students gain insights into the workforce, build social capital, and understand employer expectations.
In addition to the employer partnerships identified by PASSHE, Shippensburg University has secured commitments from Enterprise Mobility and Northwestern Mutual, with more partnerships to be established as faculty integrate these opportunities into their curriculum.
Attracting new talent: Plays an important role in sourcing talent, providing a means of identifying key skills and abilities across all job functions.
Aligning Classroom Learning with Skills Needed: Students who are well-prepared for the workplace are more confident and equipped to succeed.
Upskilling and Reskilling : A workplace trend that provides training programs and development opportunities to expand an employee’s abilities and minimize skill gaps.
Learning while doing: Work-based learning, sometimes referred to as experiential learning – is a great way for students to have hands-on experiences in a working environment to receive immediate feedback and coaching, in addition to improving their professional and technical skills.
Entry level skills: Job seekers who may be lacking in specific technical or employable skills, work-based learning create career opportunities and pathways, enabling the student to learn on the job and put newly acquired skills to work in their desired field.
Career pathways: Employees choose to work for an organization or stay with their existing employer when they are given opportunities to move up within their current organization in a supportive environment, and are more likely to skill up and stay on. Benefits to early work-based learning activities include strong mentorships, leadership training and early access to internships and job opportunities.