Workforce development programs are increasingly utilizing skills-based training to propel students to new and better pathways to quality careers. Choosing the most engaging and effective skills-based training can vary, depending on the specific goals a workforce program is looking to achieve.
While employers face challenges in closing skills gaps, diversifying their workforces and remaining competitive in the rapidly changing global economy, training programs should aim to harness new technologies and teach critical skills, in addition to targeting underserved communities to attract a diverse talent pool.
Skills-based training methods we have seen workforce development programs implement include:
1. Apprenticeships
On-the-job training gives students hands-on experience and takes them beyond learning from a textbook or in a classroom setting. Programs can partner with local employers to arrange apprenticeship programs for students to come and work on site and learn necessary skills. For example, the Apprenticeship Maryland Program is coordinated through a partnership between the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Labor. Participating students start the program in the summer or fall of their junior or senior year in the program and will complete at least 450 hours of work-based training under the supervision of an eligible employer and at least one year of related instruction.
This can also look like an “earn while you learn” program, which is often offered at the higher education level. For instance, University of Virginia’s Earn While You Learn training program provides structured coursework and on-the-job-training plus full-time benefits while training in health-related careers like Emergency Medical Technician, Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant, and more.
2. Simulation and AR/VR Training
Simulation training immerses workers in a controlled or simulated learning environment using virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR). This skill training example is particularly prevalent in fields like healthcare or heavy equipment operations, where it may be risky for trainees to use equipment or do certain tasks while still lacking the necessary knowledge and expertise.
For example, certified nursing assistant students may benefit from a fully immersive VR experience that allows them to perform physical care tasks in realistic simulations based on real direct-care scenarios. AR and VR also applies to a variety of CTE applications.
An advantage technologies like AR and VR have is they are more likely to engage students in active learning. By immersing students in the material, they are more likely to pay attention and retain the information as opposed to more “traditional” modes of instruction where students are passive recipients of knowledge. In fact, some studies like this one recommend a switch from lecture-based instruction to AR-based active learning.
3. eLearning Courses
eLearning provides flexibility in training and often allows for self-paced learning as well as interactive an engaging content. For example, Amatrol’s eLearning program meets the challenge for flexible technical training by offering superb technical content depth as well as breadth, strong interactivity for skill development, and excellent assessment and student tracking through an intuitive, easy-to-use web portal.
CTE programs can benefit from teaching students a variety of different skills through eLearning to prepare them for the workforce. In particular, Amatrol IGNITE Mastering Manufacturing program’s eLearning courses take deep dives into:
- Technical Skills: Learning Industry 4.0 technical skills becomes an energizing experience for students with IGNITE’s state-of-the-art interactive multimedia curriculum.
- Employability Skills: IGNITE’s courses include eLearning lessons that teach employability skills — such as teamwork, communication, and professionalism — which are essential to workplace success.
The advantages of eLearning are flexible, self-directed technical training with comprehensive content and exceptional interactivity for practical skill development. Students can benefit from practicing sophisticated troubleshooting techniques on eLearning content with confidence that they can translate it to the workplace.
4. Virtual Trainers
Manufacturers like Amatrol are also bringing industrial realism to online learning through Virtual Simulators. The Virtual Simulators replicate hands-on equipment in such great detail that students will feel like they are using the actual equipment.
Students perform essentially the same industry-based tasks using the virtual equipment that they would perform using equipment hardware. Repetition, active problem solving, and self-reviews all provide feedback to students to build confidence in the skills they develop.
5. Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is a skill training example that allows students to research ideas, develop multiple solutions, analyze and select the best solution, build a prototype, and evaluate their results. These types of projects often focus on examining real facts and information from real-world problems.
Here, students can examine the challenges and topics, push themselves to think creatively and acquire information to develop alternate answers. Along with encouraging collaboration, strategic thinking, creativity, decision-making, and analytical abilities are examples of job skills they’ll hone through PBL.
The IGNITE program incorporates different types of projects into the curriculum, such as:
- Mini projects, which are individual hands-on projects that focus on a specific technology.
- Team projects, where students design, fabricate, and analyze working prototype devices.
- Capstone projects, where students work collaboratively in teams to solve real-world problems.
6. Mentoring Sessions
Mentoring sessions foster growth by exchanging knowledge and experiences. To better position their mentee for success, the mentor shares knowledge, expertise, suggestions, and personal perspectives with them. The mentee, on the other hand, converses with the mentor throughout their meetings, opens up about any challenges they encounter, and seeks guidance from their mentor.
Mentoring can be especially beneficial to programs that cater to different grade or experience levels. For example, this school system arranged beneficial learning and teaching opportunities for both novice and more advanced welders. This gives more advanced students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned by sharing knowledge, and novice students can seek guidance while gaining hands-on experience.
If you’re unsure what method of skills-based training will work for your program, contact us with any questions.
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