Kristy Volesky
Work-Based Learning Consultant ​at Iowa Department of Education
Teaches:
Designing a Sustainable Work-Based Learning System
Work-based learning generates valuable connections for students to make informed decisions about courses, programs, and careers. As work-based learning expands with your educational institution, developing a sustainable system to support quality work-based learning is increasingly important. Thoughtful planning leads to valuable student learning, stronger connections to your community and a network of supported educators and instructors. Implement the three step approach to designing a sustainable work-based learning system to increase quality experiences for all students at your educational institution.
speaker reel
Program
Work-Based Learning
Even when the US economy is humming along, it contains a strange paradox. Employers have a hard time finding workers, yet simultaneously many workers have a hard time finding appropriate employment. WBL helps learners enter and succeed in their first or next career, yet it remains a tiny percentage of our student experience. We’re proud to feature the most dynamic and sought-after speakers who are true Industry Thought Leaders at the forefront of career-connected learning.
It is time to solve our workforce paradox once and for all.
Getting to Know Kristy
1
What was your first job? What did you learn from it?
My first job experience was walking fields to rogue corn and pull weeds for a local farmer owning a lot of land. I worked alongside several other teenagers each morning for six weeks. I learned that although I enjoyed being outdoors, I did not care for this type of work. I finished the short, summer work season and found something different the following summer.
2
What sparked your interest in work-based learning?
I had the opportunity to transform a local work experience program into a highly engaging internship program that revolutionized student learning and local business engagement. When the opportunity arose to support rapid expansion of this similar concept across the state, I leapt at the opportunity. I saw first hand the value of quality work- based learning as well as the support many schools and colleges needed to make the transformation. I strive to support students, educational staff and business professionals to improve opportunities that extend student learning. I am motivated to support the expansion of quality work-based learning as an important educational and community engagement strategy.
3
What missteps would you caution others to avoid as they work to promote or develop work-based learning opportunities?
The greatest misstep I see are educational institutions and business partners focusing on quantity over quality. Quality needs to come first in order to ensure the work-based learning experience is sustainable. Another common misstep is isolating work-based learning by relying on one individual to carry out the work. Without a team involved, work-based learning expansion will be limited and could become too overwhelming for the individual.
“Everything that happens to you is a form of instruction if you pay attention“.
Robert Greene (Mastery)