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Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Work-Based Learning For Educators

What is Work-Based Learning?

A teaching strategy that integrates classroom instruction with practical, real-world work experiences. It helps students apply academic and technical skills in a professional environment, enhancing their career readiness and understanding of industry practices.

What are the Benefits of Work-Based Learning?

Work-Based Learning (WBL) benefits students, educators, and the community by creating a dynamic and interconnected learning environment. For students, it provides practical experience, enhances skills, and improves career readiness. Educators gain access to current industry practices, enabling them to deliver more relevant and engaging instruction. The community benefits from a well-prepared, skilled workforce that meets local industry needs. Additionally, WBL strengthens partnerships between schools and businesses, fostering collaboration and resource sharing that enhance educational and economic outcomes for the entire community. 

Ways to engage businesses in your CTE programs:

Click on the links below for resources

Download the complete Work-Based Learning Toolkit here.

If you are an employer looking to collaborate with schools and get involved in student development, visit Work-Based Learning for Employers for more information.

Need Work-Based Learning Support? Contact Heather Thomas, Regional Convener

Reach out to Heather Thomas at heather.thomas@ruralcapital.net to kickstart your work-based learning journey, or simply complete our Educator Work-Based Learning Support form for personalized support. 

Heather Thomas

Heather Thomas

Regional Convener

Other Helpful Resources:

The Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area Career and Education Engagement Team is focused on providing Central Texas students with information about educational opportunities, local labor market demand, and career information to help them make sound career decisions that lead to marketable skills after graduation.

WSRCA Career Coaches work with each of the 36 school districts in the 9-county region to provide virtual and in-class presentations and services to provide career guidance, career preparation, and workforce information to participating students regarding:

  • High-growth, high-demand occupations;
  • Opportunities and training in middle-skill jobs;
  • Pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs;
  • Internships;
  • Technical and/or community colleges; and
  • Career-readiness preparation

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Heather Thomas

Sector: Public Sector

Heather Thomas

Regional Convener

Heather joins the Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area team as the Regional Convener for the Tri-Agency Grant for Regional Conveners. Her goal will be to forge workforce pathways for students through collaborating with school districts, industry partners, and higher education providers. She brings a background in Career and Technical Education (CTE) through teaching and also coaching school districts in setting up successful CTE programs using labor market data. 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Radford University and a Master’s degree in Education from Lamar University. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and pup, fitness, gardening, and reading. Her favorite place is her deck overlooking the forest.