Description

What if students could graduate not only with a diploma, but with hands-on experience, professional connections and a clear path to a career? What if businesses could shape the future workforce while filling critical talent gaps today?

That’s the power of Work-Based Learning (WBL). It connects learning to life. It’s a strategy that brings students into real-world environments through internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, job shadowing and on-the-job training. Students build skills, explore careers and gain confidence in their future. For employers and educators, it strengthens talent pipelines, meets evolving workforce needs and brings more relevance to education.

Still, many in our region are just beginning to explore how WBL fits into the broader career development spectrum—and what it actually takes to make it work.

Join us for a practical, people-centered conversation that will: 

• Clearly explain what work-based learning (WBL) is and how it connects education and workforce needs 
• Break down the benefits for students, schools and employers 
• Feature a real student story and perspectives from those who supported the WBL experience 
• Provide practical steps to start, grow or strengthen WBL programs in your setting 
• Highlight ways to build effective partnerships between education and industry 

Whether you’re shaping curriculum, recruiting talent or exploring your future, this is your opportunity to understand the impact and potential of work-based learning—and how to make it work where you are. 

AGENDA

Welcome and Introduction

• Shawn Paschke, Xcel Energy

— — Audience Pulse Check — —

Fireside chat: WBL 101

• Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce, The Chamber
• Denise Jonas, CTE Director, Cass County Career & Technical Education Center
• Patrick Mineer, Golden Path Solutions

— — Audience Pulse Check — —

Panel

• Denise Jonas, CTE Director, Cass County Career & Technical Education Center
• Dave Terfehr, True North Steel
• Jameson Benson, John Deere
• Gilmoure Wold, 2025 West Fargo High School Graduate
• Moderator: Corey Steiner, Fargo Public Schools Superintendent

— — Audience Pulse Check — —