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North Georgia Work-Based Learning | Shelly Logan -- Workforce Strategies Group, Rhonda Samples -- Hall County Schools, and Carla Swafford -- Assistant Superintendent Hall County Schools

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Do you have a student in your life who you want great things for? Are you an employer looking for great employees? Yes? AWESOME!

Host Phil Bonelli is speaking with Shelly Logan — Workforce Strategies Group, Rhonda Samples — Executive Director of Career, Technical, and AG Education @ Hall County Schools, and Carla Swafford — Assistant Superintendent Hall County Schools, about career and student development and work-based learning, and how they benefit our students, their parents, and our amazing local businesses.

The mission of the Work-Based Learning Program is to assist in providing a highly trained, technologically sophisticated, and career-oriented young workforce. This is accomplished by developing partnerships between businesses, industry, students, parents, school systems, coordinators, and post-secondary institutions, leading the participating student into meaningful careers. There are 60 pathways for students to choose from. The WBL is currently serving 900 work-based learning students.

Here’s a short summary of the key benefits of Work-Based Learning:

Practical Skill Development: Work-based learning provides hands-on experience, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This practical exposure enhances their skills and competencies in a specific field, preparing them for future employment.

Industry Relevance: By engaging directly with employers and professionals in the industry, work-based learners gain insight into the current trends, practices, and demands of the field. This knowledge ensures that their training remains relevant and aligns with industry standards, increasing employability prospects.

Professional Networking: Work-based learning creates opportunities for students to build valuable professional connections within their industry. Through interactions with supervisors, colleagues, and mentors, learners can establish relationships that may lead to future job opportunities, references, and collaborations.

Career Exploration: Work-based learning allows young people to explore different career paths and industries firsthand. It helps them make informed decisions about their future career choices by providing exposure to various work environments, roles, and responsibilities.

Enhanced Employability: Work-based learning equips students with job-specific skills, making them more desirable to potential employers. It demonstrates their ability to apply theoretical knowledge, adapt to workplace dynamics, and contribute effectively to the organization.

Personal and Professional Growth: Through work-based learning, individuals develop a range of transferable soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management. These skills contribute to personal growth, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Moreover, learners gain a deeper understanding of professional ethics, responsibility, and work culture.

Smooth(er) Transition to Employment: Work-based learning often includes internships, apprenticeships, or cooperative education programs that bridge the gap between education and employment. Such experiences expose young people to the expectations, routines, and challenges of the workplace, facilitating a smoother transition into full-time employment.

Higher Earning Potential: Work-based learning can lead to higher earning potential due to the acquisition of specialized skills and industry-specific knowledge. The practical experience gained during work-based learning can make students more competitive in the job market, potentially leading to better job offers and salary negotiations.

Lifelong Learning Mindset: Engaging in work-based learning promotes a lifelong learning mindset, encouraging individuals to continue developing their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. It instills a sense of curiosity and adaptability, enabling individuals to stay updated with evolving industry trends and advancements.

Connect with Shelly Logan:

http://workforcestrategiesgroup.com/

Connect with Rhonda Samples:

https://www.hallcowbl.org/

Connect with Carla Swafford:

https://www.facebook.com/georgiamountainsworks

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/

https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://RichLifeAdvisors.com

https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors

https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX