Episode 82: Transformational Work-Based Learning with Kristy Volesky

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Kristy VoleskyKristy Volesky is the author Transformational Work-Based Learning: Leading Exceptional Internship Programs. Kristy starts by defining work-based learning with a simple explanation: learning that is based on working. But, she says that it doesn't have to be students working. Don’t miss what she says about having a before, during, and after strategy for WBL. Kristy describes the fact that WBL should be with industry partners, and students should have access to people in the field. She says that the outcomes have to be mutually beneficial for the industry partner and the student. For the partner, they can train their future workforce early, gain access to future employees, and maintain relationships over the course of college or apprenticeship programs and then bring students back into the economy. Kristy provides school leaders with talking points for developing industry partners who might be reluctant to take on minors. She tells a story about a construction company and how the process for building partnerships grew from one to many.Joe asked about innovative partnerships, and Kristy points to an example of a partner that took on a bunch of different career paths within the same organization. We discussed how work-based learning can start in elementary schools where students can do activities for career awareness. Kristy says that 80+ opportunities to learn about different careers in the K-12 experience is ideal. She literally walks listeners through the design of an elementary work-based learning experience by making minor adjustments to events that already exist. Kristy is inspired by her former role as a WBL coordinator. She grew a program, making it more effective, and then went to the state level to scale that work. She says that her network is where she learns and grows. “I surround myself with really smart people.” ~ Kristy Volesky Joe reminds listeners of Jim Rohn’s quote: “We are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with.” Books We Recommend Based on this Podcast with Kristy VoleskySmart Brevity by Jim Vandehei, Mike Allen, & Roy Schwartz Simply Put by Ben Guttmann