Employers Are Co-Educators in Workforce Development

Work-Based Learning cannot succeed without strong employer partnerships. 

Across the country, schools and career and technical education programs are eager to connect students with real-world experiences—but many struggle to find enough employer partners. Some businesses worry about scheduling, liability, or simply don’t know how to get involved. 

But employers are not just participants in workforce development. They are co-educators. 

When businesses host job shadows, mentor students, present to a classroom, provide internships, or collaborate on career pathways, they help shape the workforce they will rely on in the future. 

The return on investment is significant: 

• Reduced hiring risk by seeing students’ abilities firsthand 

• Stronger employee retention 

• Healthier workplace culture across generations 

• Stronger local economies as students build careers in their communities 

Strong partnerships between schools, employers, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations are already helping expand work-based learning opportunities across Iowa. 

If your organization wants to strengthen its talent pipeline, get involved in Work-Based Learning. Partner with local schools, Career and Technical Education programs, or organizations like iJAG to create opportunities that prepare students—and businesses—for long-term success. 

ABI is proud to partner with iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates) and Kuder through our iJAG Connect program. We invite businesses to speak to a classroom, host a job shadow, offer an internship, or mentor a student. When employers engage in work-based learning, they help shape the talent they need—and strengthen Iowa’s future.  Learn more:  Get Involved | Iowa Association of Business and Industry