City of Alexandria Launches Work-Based Learning Program

The program matches job seekers with participating employers and creates an environment where individuals can apply and expand upon their skills while earning a stipend of at least $15/hour.
Page updated on March 18, 2022 at 7:50 AM
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City of Alexandria Launches Work-Based Learning Program

A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE 

WBL

December 16, 2021--The City of Alexandria has launched a work-based learning (WBL) program that matches job seekers with participating employers and creates an environment where individuals can apply and expand upon their academic knowledge and technical skills while earning a stipend of at least $15/hour. The initiative also provides an opportunity for companies to identify and hire future employees, and accordingly, save time and money in recruitment-related activities.

WBL is an educational approach that utilizes the workplace or “real work” to provide individuals with experience and help them connect skills to job activities and future career opportunities during a 12-week cohort. The methodology has been shown to reinforce the value of work as well as the critical employability skills employers want most.

Staff of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center (WDC) will support the program by prescreening qualified job candidates, providing case management, and matching employers with individuals who are interested and who have or can develop the required technical abilities and interpersonal skills. The aim is to serve 20 individuals per quarterly cohort.

Throughout the program, job-seeking participants will become more familiar with the work environment of their desired careers and can get guidance on how to transition into new fields. Companies can better build a sustainable workforce, and healthy communities can flourish from employment and improved lifelong earnings.

Other benefits of the WBL methodology include increased workplace diversity and inclusion, higher levels of employee engagement, improved productivity and quality of work, opportunities to positively impact the community, cost savings, partnership engagement, and a long-term workforce funnel.

Participants are expected to commit to working 35 hours per week for a 12-week cohort.

The first WBL cohort for January 2022 is full, but additional cohorts are available for May 2 and August 29. To view and download printable flyers, visit alexandriava.gov/115059.  Space is limited and applicants must submit an application.

Employers and business leaders are invited to partner with the City of Alexandria’s WDC and join the employers’ network at no cost. Those interested should complete this short questionnaire.

The WBL program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 to facilitate recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about Alexandria’s WBL program, as well as other employment assistance resources, visit alexandriava.gov/115059 or contact Coordinator Savannah Alshaikhli at 703.966.3594 or savannah.hill@alexandriava.gov.