Hawai’i work-based learning intermediaries act on behalf of our local workforce and education system to connect our students to structured, industry-specific work-based learning opportunities with partner employers. Work-based learning intermediaries are critical partners in designing and implementing high-quality work-based learning at scale by carrying out key functions and providing regional infrastructure to the state’s work-based learning delivery system. 

What we do:

Support cross-sector partnerships:

• Convene education, industry, and other community partners around a vision for work-based learning in the region

• Design, broker and aggregate opportunities for sequenced work-based learning

• Prepare both students and employers for work-based learning placements

• Analyze and share labor market data to inform programs and provide opportunities for students to learn, live, work and stay in their communities

• Work with community-based organizations (CBOs) to facilitate student supports as needed

• Support alignment of available WBL opportunities to HIDOE CTE standards

• Co-design WBL assessment strategies with educator and industry partners, including aggregating data

Support K-12 and postsecondary institutions:

• Prepare students with the technical and employability skills needed to succeed in WBL

• Ensure that WBL is fully integrated with classroom learning and pathways, including co-designing WBL activities

• Support teachers in understanding or managing the process of implementing work-based learning activities (such as internships) and related requirements

• Broker WBL opportunities for teachers and counselors, including externships 

• Look across programs to promote equity and access in WBL for underrepresented students and underrepresented programs of study 

• Provide outreach to industries that are not supported with class offerings in HIDOE/UHCC to create awareness of different industries available for students. 

• Partner with HIDOE-OCID to provide training with educators, where necessary

Support industry partners and local workforce

• Work with industry partners to structure WBL opportunities, including drafting job descriptions and designing programs

• Prepare students and families for participation in WBL 

• Manage logistics and find solutions to any legal or liability concerns, including safety aspects and Risk and Release responsibilities

• Develop a WBL training that provides employers with guidance and resources to support WBL