It is well-established in workforce system research that the internships model substantially increases the probability of hire in living wage employment. Work-based learning (WBL) extends to all forms of engagement from the awareness and exposure stages of guest speakers, plant tours, clubs, and newsletters, to the exploration stage involving job shadowing, paid internships, and work experience and on-the-job training opportunities funded through the workforce system. The most effective WBL initiatives involve workforce and education system collaboration. The federal workforce system provides employer incentives to upskill incumbent workers. Furthermore, current federal interest in growing apprenticeship models has resulted in the injection of substantial public funding in support of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship models. Pre-apprenticeship models are aligned with Adult Education IET models have proven a successful strategy in rural communities given the concurrent multi-pronged approach of a technical credential, work readiness, and contextualized basic skills as the core of the curriculum. ​

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The infographic details WBL principles from the lens of the workforce system, in particular, a workforce board that serves 13 rural counties and 22 Native Nations. Partnering with local workforce boards is key to building and maintaining RPI and TCU WBL initiatives. The majority of federal funding and philanthropic grant applications are now requiring evidence of robust partnerships across education, workforce, and industry spheres, making collaboration essential for resource development that supports economic growth and opportunity.