Join leaders from the Necessary Skills Now initiative for a hands-on workshop focused on integrating critical employability skills—like communication, teamwork, and dependability—into technical education. Discover classroom-ready tools, bite-sized resources, and proven strategies for aligning instruction with real-world workplace expectations. Explore employer perspectives, leverage US-DOL competency models, and learn how to collaborate with industry partners to bring workplace culture into the classroom through scenario-based lessons and projects.

This dynamic session explores how strategic partnerships can be leveraged to create inclusive, high-quality career pathways for all learners. Participants will engage in interactive activities to assess and strengthen current collaborations while also examining promising practices for supporting special populations through holistic supports and career navigation initiatives. By integrating service alignment with an inclusion lens, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to build a robust career preparation ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of today’s learners.

This session offers practical guidance for embedding apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships into career pathways to expand work-based learning opportunities. Designed for educators, counselors, and workforce leaders, the session will highlight real-world examples from states and regions leading this work. Participants will explore how to align apprenticeship models with existing programs of study, engage employers in pathway design, and create seamless transitions from classroom to career. Attendees will leave with tools and action steps for integrating high-quality work-based learning experiences—including apprenticeships—into state and local career pathway systems to better prepare learners for success in the workforce.