VCWSV’s CEO Sharon Johnson spoke before the U.S. House of Representative’s Sub-Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development on September 5 about work-based learning, including apprenticeship.
Dr. Johnson spoke about the use of work-based learning models to help close the skills gap and the important role of the Local Workforce Boards. The workforce development system, especially the Local Workforce Boards, play a significant role in convening partners to identify, coordinate, direct, and support regional work-based-learning solutions. Through WIOA, there are numerous examples of work-based-learning models that eligible job seekers and youth may consider as part of their development and employment plan; examples include paid work experiences, internships, and on-the-job training. Likewise, companies benefit from a more work-ready talent pipeline through work-based-learning models of incumbent worker training, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships. In the Shenandoah Valley region, work-based-learning models that are developed and customized to meet business needs and business learning preferences, are the most requested methods for training and upskilling workers. Watch the full hearing:
