Northern Indiana’s employers are facing a familiar challenge: as experienced workers retire and the labor market tightens, the demand for skilled, work-ready talent continues to grow. To stay competitive, businesses must take an active role in shaping the next generation of their workforce—starting before students even graduate high school.
Traditional classroom-based education and training programs, while valuable, do not always align with the real-world skills employers need. Many job candidates enter the labor market without the hands-on experience, workplace readiness, or technical competencies that make them effective from day one.
To build the most relevant and sustainable talent pipeline, career preparation must reflect therealities of today’s industries—and take place within the workplace itself. Work-Based Learning (WBL) bridges that gap by connecting education with experience. Through internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and mentorship opportunities, employers can help shape the next generation of workers while directly influencing the skills being developed. By engaging now, businesses not only strengthen their future workforce but also gain a competitive edge—reducing turnover, improving productivity, and ensuring that the skills of tomorrow are built on the needs of today.
Businesses that participate in Work-Based Learning don’t just “give back” — they gain measurable financial and strategic returns by building a reliable talent pipeline, lowering hiring costs, and strengthening their brand and workforce culture. To learn more about Work-Based Learning, click here.
To see the Basic WBL Training Plan an employer could expect if they bring on an intern, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about WBL or want to get started on working with students at Angola High School, please contact Russ Tingley, Career Exploration Internship/Cooperative-Work at rtingley@msdsc.us
Thank you for your consideration!