What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a progressive approach to bridging the work-skills gap between school and high-demand, high-skill careers in Delaware.
The Office of Work-Based Learning (OWBL) collaborates with schools to create and promote work-based learning opportunities. We provide support to employers to on-board young talent into the workforce.
Your Role in Shaping Delaware’s Next Generation Workforce
Young Delawareans are the future of our state’s economic engine. As an employer, your ability to effectively on-board diverse talent when you need it is important for your long-term success.
Connecting youth to early work experiences will have a positive impact on their educational training and future employment. Discover the various ways your business can engage with students, and build your next generation workforce.
Levels of Work-Based Learning
Awareness 5th Grade – High School
Exploration 8th Grade – Postsecondary
Immersion High School – Postsecondary
Work-Based Learning Benefits for Employers
- An investment in local talent by identifying and recruiting potential future employees.
- Informs students about your company, its products, services, and the role your business plays in the community.
- Boosts your employer status through relationships established with students & families.
- Increases the brand awareness of your company.
- Strengthens your employee culture as they share their expertise with young people.
- Develops your talent pipeline for a strong future workforce.
“At Delmarva Power, helping students helps us too. We’re investing in our company’s future workforce, improving our service delivery, and shaping the prosperity of our state.”
Gary Stockbridge President, Delmarva Power
Download the Employer Playbook
In this playbook, you will find detailed information about getting started with work-based learning, and guidance on the various ways your business can engage with students.
What are Industry Councils?
Delaware’s Industry Councils are industry-specific groups of employers who meet annually to better signal employment needs and support Delaware’s students and educators in grades five through postsecondary. Each Industry Council is led by a group of employer executives to inform topics such as work-based learning goals, provide labor market information to support curriculum development and identification of credentials, and support educator professional learning. In each industry sector, Industry Council meetings occur once annually, with the executive group meeting once per calendar quarter.
