E07_Work-Based Learning - Students

Episode 7: How Work-Based Learning Preps Students for Real Careers (Wilson Talent Center)

On the Education UnPacked Podcast, host Micki O’Neil talks with Monique Colizzie and Jamie George, Work-Based Learning Coordinators at Ingham ISD’s Wilson Talent Center, about how juniors and seniors gain real-world experience before graduation.

They break down the four work-based learning tiers—career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training—from career fairs, field trips, interviews, and job shadows to resume/cover-letter coaching, mock interviews/job fairs, and paid or unpaid workplace placements. Hear how the twice-monthly “Boss Mode Boot Camp” builds soft skills (first impressions, initiative, dependability, interviewing, professionalism, leadership), why 22+ industry partners are engaged, and how 20 students are already working this year (with most placements for second-year seniors).

Discover what employers want (problem-solving, teamwork, reliability), how students present as “job-ready,” and how Wilson Talent Center is building a local talent pipeline that connects businesses with skilled, motivated teens.

🎧 Listen at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked to learn how schools and employers partner to launch students’ careers.