ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference

How do you solve the challenge of offering hands-on experience in commercial construction to CTE students when employers are reluctant to have students under the age of 18 on their job sites? You bring the job site to the students! In Henrico County, students participated in over 600 WBL experiences while renovating 48,000 sq ft of a dying mall into a school for adult learners. The Adult Education Center at Regency is a game-changer on many levels. Hear how the Regency Project exposed students to WBL experiences and career opportunities in the commercial trades and gave adults opportunities to learn in an environment designed with a community college feel. It also provides a location to benefit underserved adult populations and an economic stimulus to the community. This project serves as a model in providing hands-on WBL experiences while addressing adult learners' needs and challenging retail areas.