Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator

The Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator will lead Workforce Development, Inc.'s (WDI) initiatives in work-based learning programs, including Subsidized Work Experiences, Wage Subsidies, On-the-Job Trainings (OJT), and apprenticeships. This role is critical in creating a formal training and implementation plan for these initiatives, developing best practices, and ensuring consistency across all 10 counties WDI serves. The Coordinator will focus initially on youth-based apprenticeships, with plans to expand efforts into adult apprenticeships, working closely with local employers, unions, and education partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Oversee and coordinate all work-based learning programs, including Subsidized Work Experiences, Wage Subsidies, OJT, and apprenticeships, ensuring that initiatives align with WDI’s goals and serve a diverse population.
• Training and Implementation: Develop and roll out a formal training and implementation plan for work-based learning and apprenticeship programs, including best practices and compliance standards, across all 10 counties.
• Apprenticeship Development: Focus on building and expanding youth-based apprenticeships, partnering with local schools, businesses, and unions. After establishing youth apprenticeships, move into developing adult apprenticeships in high-demand industries.
• Employer Engagement: Work directly with employers to develop, support, and sustain work-based learning programs, ensuring they meet both the needs of businesses and the workforce.
• Program Monitoring & Reporting: Track the progress of work-based learning participants, monitor the effectiveness of programs, and report on outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration with Staff: Work closely with WDI staff across the 10 counties to provide training, technical assistance, and guidance on implementing and maintaining work-based learning programs.
• Best Practices & Compliance: Ensure that all work-based learning programs adhere to federal, state, and local regulations, developing best practices to ensure quality and consistency across counties.
• Youth Apprenticeship Expansion: Lead efforts to expand youth-based apprenticeships in areas such as construction, trades, and healthcare, while working with educational institutions to ensure training aligns with career pathways.
• Transition to Adult Apprenticeships: Gradually shift focus to include adult apprenticeships, working with regional businesses and trade organizations to develop sustainable apprenticeship models for adults.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, workforce development, human resources, or related field.
• Experience in managing workforce development programs, especially in work-based learning, apprenticeships, or training initiatives.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead program development and implementation across multiple counties.
• Experience working with employers, unions, and educational institutions to develop training or apprenticeship programs.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to work-based learning and apprenticeships.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to train and support staff.

Preferred Skills

• Experience developing and implementing apprenticeship programs, particularly youth-based.
• Knowledge of regional labor market trends and high-demand industries.
• Strong relationship-building skills with employers and community partners.
• Ability to develop and deliver training to staff and external partners.

A Day in the Life of a Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Coordinator

8:00 AM – Start the Day: Review Emails and Check-in with Staff
You begin your day by checking emails and responding to any immediate requests from WDI staff across the 10 counties. A few career planners have questions about the new Wage Subsidy guidelines, and an employer has requested clarification on how to onboard a youth apprentice. You respond to these inquiries and update your task list for the day.

8:30 AM – Virtual Meeting with a Local Employer
You jump into a virtual meeting with a local manufacturing company that is interested in starting a youth apprenticeship program. During the call, you walk them through the process of setting up the program, discussing the requirements, potential partnerships with local schools, and how wage subsidies can help reduce costs during the training period. You answer their questions and schedule a follow-up meeting to finalize the program details.

9:30 AM – Work-Based Learning Program Development
Back at your desk, you dedicate time to developing a formal training and implementation plan for Subsidized Work Experiences. You draft a best practices document that outlines how staff across all 10 counties can implement these programs effectively. You also outline key compliance guidelines to ensure programs meet state and federal regulations.

11:00 AM – Staff Training Session on Apprenticeships
You lead a virtual training session for WDI staff across the region on apprenticeships and On-The-Job Trainings (OJT). During the session, you review the new apprenticeship opportunities being developed, go over the processes for enrolling youth, and share some success stories from current programs. You make sure to leave time for questions and provide additional resources that staff can access.

12:00 PM – Lunch & Networking Follow-Up
You take a quick break for lunch, but also use this time to follow up on some networking efforts. You send a few emails to community partners and trade organizations to discuss future apprenticeship collaborations. You also send a thank-you note to a local high school that hosted a recent apprenticeship fair, opening the door for future events.

1:00 PM – Meeting with Regional School Districts
Next, you head to a meeting with representatives from several school districts in the area. The goal of this meeting is to build stronger partnerships for youth apprenticeships, particularly in construction and healthcare. You discuss how students can transition from school into apprenticeship programs and explore ways to integrate work-based learning into their curriculums. You also provide them with information about state wage subsidies that can support these efforts.

2:30 PM – Employer Site Visit
You drive to a nearby construction company that has expressed interest in expanding their apprenticeship program for both youth and adult workers. During the site visit, you review their current apprenticeships, discuss potential improvements, and provide guidance on navigating state regulations and subsidies. You also discuss the next steps for developing an adult apprenticeship program, with a focus on filling labor gaps in skilled trades.

4:00 PM – Wrap-Up and Reporting
Back in the office, you spend the last part of your day updating program records and reporting on the progress of current work-based learning and apprenticeship initiatives. You review the outcomes from the day’s meetings and document next steps for each project. You also check in on the data tracking system to monitor participant enrollment in apprenticeships and work experiences. Before logging off, you prepare for tomorrow’s meeting with a regional employer looking to create an OJT program.

4:30 PM – End of Day
With everything organized and key tasks completed, you log off for the day, feeling accomplished after making progress in expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities for youth and adults across the region.

About Us:

Workforce Development, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the workforce of SE MN. We are a customer-focused, action-oriented team committed to the values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Education, and Community. We value diversity among our talented employees.

Salary Range: Starting at $52,000 annually.

If you are interested in a dynamic work environment at an organization dedicated to helping job seekers and employers, please submit your resume and letter of interest to be received by 4:30pm on Wednesday, October 23rd,to:

Beth Christensen

Workforce Development, Inc.

2070 College View Road East

Rochester, MN 55904

Or E-mail: hiring@wdimn.org

WDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Service Provider. WDI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or military status in any of its activities or operations. This information is available in alternative formats for people with disabilities by calling 507.292.5152 (voice) or by using your preferred relay service.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Rochester, MN 55904 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, MN 55904

Salary : $1,000 - $52,000