Crashing through Roadblocks: Debunking High School Work-based Learning Barriers

When the topic of internships comes up, many businesses automatically put up roadblocks to employing young interns and apprentices: “We don’t have work suited for workers younger than 18.” “Students don’t have a way to get to our offices.” “It’s against the law and/or such-and-such policy to have youth in our workspace because of safety issues, or because we are a financial institution, a hospital, etc.” “Year-round internships for high school students aren’t possible because of their schedules.” But too often, these employers are failing to recognize the real value youth can bring to the workplace. This session will open with an overview of employers’ most commonly reported logistical barriers to youth work-based learning (finding suitable work, transportation, liability/safety concerns, scheduling followed by a discussion on policy barriers, engaging school systems and employers partners, and measuring & communicating learner impact. Then, participants will have a chance to join a breakout discussion and brainstorm solutions (or offer real-life examples of how they implemented solutions) to a particular barrier. Participants will come away with ideas to build buy-in to persuade naysayers in the workplace and create a welcoming work environment for youth younger than 18.