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Having a desired pathway after graduation is vital in today's world; however, according to a YouthTruth survey, only 45 percent of graduating high school students feel positive about college and career-readiness.
Students often overlook the skilled labor industry as a viable career option. A growing shortage in the skilled labor industry, due to the rapidly retiring generation of experienced employees and industry opportunities, has left many businesses in desperate need of skilled workers.
This is why a solid business/education relationship is crucial. Relevant work-based learning programs link classroom education to the real world. Students follow a curriculum that meets graduation requirements, while also aligning them with industry and job-specific training.
Join our panel of experts as they provide key components and real-life application of starting and growing skilled labor work-based learning programs.
Meet the Panelists
Dr. David Schuler
Dr. David R. Schuler, a national education leader and Superintendent in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL is passionate about the importance of community service, work-based learning, and preparing all students to be college, career and life ready. Dr. Schuler launched Redefining Ready!, a national initiative around post-secondary readiness, during his time as 2015-16 president of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. In 2018, Dr. Schuler was named the Illinois Superintendent of the Year and that same year he was named the AASA National Superintendent of the Year.
Dominique Bates
Dominique Bates has served as Associate CTE Director of Work-Based Learning and Community Partnerships for Rowan-Salisbury Schools Career and Technical Education for four years. Previous to his CTE leadership role, he taught Middle School Business courses for four years. Dominique holds a Masters of Business Administration.
Dominique believes in providing students exposure to available career options to help inform them of future career decisions. He teaches students cultural awareness and interpersonal skills, and guides them to pursue their passions.
Frosti Adams
Myra “Frosti”; Adams is a licensed English teacher who received her BA from Linfield University and her M. Ed. from George Fox University. She holds a certificate in College and Career Counseling from San Diego State University and enjoys sharing knowledge of careers that don’t follow the “traditional college” route.
Frosti’s duties at Associated General Contractors (AGC) Oregon - Columbia include connecting the construction industry with local schools, helping veterans connect with employers, and facilitating professional development courses.
Joe Collins
Joe works as an Education Consultant for Sector Partnerships, Career Pathways, and Work-Based Learning for the Iowa Department of Education. In this role, he helps to connect, assist, and empower groups of employers in Iowa to address their skilled workforce, economic, and community development issues through collaborative sector partnerships or "sector boards”.
Prior to joining the Department, he worked as a Training Facilitator for Iowa Workforce Development to develop and lead workshops throughout the community on topics such as resumes, interviewing, work ethic, and conflict resolution to a wide range of audiences.
Before diving head first into the public sector, he also worked in HR, account and project management, and marketing in the private sector. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Marketing, Spanish, and International Business from Iowa State University and a Master of Science degree in Adult, Continuing, and Occupational Education from Kansas State University. Joe has also recently taken on the lead role for Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs) in Iowa.