In one state, students are ditching classrooms for jobs

Brent Parton was quoted in the Hechinger Report about an increasing interest for work-based learning among Vermont high school students. The piece was syndicated in the Burlington Free Press.

The increased interest in work-based learning opportunities comes at a time when companies nationwide are calling for more skilled workers, and not just for jobs that require a college degree. In June, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that called for private companies to create apprenticeship programs for students to address both workforce needs and a “skills gap.” Many employers say they are unable to find qualified workers for jobs.

Brent Parton, deputy director of the Center on Education and Skills at the Washington-based think tank New America, said that’s why companies are stepping up to participate in educational programs that could build their workforce. “More and more, employers are realizing the education system can’t, nor should it be, producing exactly what they need without their engagement and importantly, their investment,” Parton said.