ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference

D11 implemented an Apprentice Program that created a unique educational model that provides are bi-lingual students the opportunity to develop critical soft skills, earn multiple certifications, and enhances their future earning potential while supporting all schools within our district with translation services to make a better connection between the family and the school.  

D11 is pioneering an innovative registered apprenticeship program that places qualified students in crucial operational roles, including:
1. Interpretation: Multilingual Apprentices facilitate communication with non-English speaking families within our district.
2. Accounting: Apprentices manage budgets and financial reporting
3. Marketing: Apprentices develop and execute promotional strategies
4. Technology: Apprentices help with basic technology needs across multiple schools

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.

This session will feature a dynamic panel of three CTE teachers (Agriculture, Health Science, and Design & Multimedia) alongside their Work-Based Learning (WBL) students, sharing real-world experiences in internships, on-the-job training, and supervised entrepreneurial ventures. The panel will explore how these opportunities were developed through partnerships with local industries, community leaders, and other key stakeholders, giving students valuable technical, employability, and career readiness skills.

Students will discuss their involvement in hands-on learning environments, such as Demon Graphics—a student-run design and print business—and HOSA Learning Labs and Community Clinics, where they applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, an Agriculture student will highlight their experience working with the La Plata County Economic Alliance, where they participated in local agricultural business initiatives, gained insights into sustainable farming practices, and developed leadership skills through community-based projects. Teachers will outline how they established and managed these entrepreneurial experiences, fostered collaboration with industry partners, and contributed to creating a skilled workforce to support the local economy and the education sector.

Suggested Format:
The session will be conducted as a panel discussion moderated by the CTE Director of Durango School District 9-R. Teachers and their WBL students will discuss their collaborative processes and how they created a successful WBL environment. The session will conclude with a Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists.

In this session, participants will explore how school systems can collaborate with employer partners and registered apprenticeship sponsors to allow students to begin their career journey while still in high school.  Attendees will gain insights into best practices for structuring these pathways to ensure students can smoothly and successfully transition into full-time employment, while also playing a crucial role for employers in developing a skilled workforce.

In this session, we will explore how traditional Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Oklahoma faced capacity challenges, prompting the need for alternative strategies. We'll discuss the collaborative approach taken to address these limitations by enhancing industry partnerships. This resulted in innovative solutions including the development of timely and flexible apprenticeship programs. Employer partner engagement to adapt programming was instrumental in providing workforce solutions that met evolving industry demands. These partnerships ensure that programs remain relevant and effective in today’s changing workforce. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for implementing apprenticeships through collaboration with industry partners to adapt and expand CTE models that impact workforce gaps.

This session will provide a proven method for growing your WBL program, and best practices in managing. Learn ways market WBL programs to students, parents, and businesses that will double your job opportunities, and student participation. Walk away with ready made marketing graphics that you can tailor for your program. Information will be shared regarding options for working with Healthcare legal to allow under age students to work in patient care areas. Discussion around master scheduling and ways to leverage your master schedule to create opportunities with employers. Closing the presentation with organizational tactics to best manage the increases in student participation.