The NoCo Work-Based Learning Alliance is a collaboration of public partners that exists to align education and workforce to increase sustainable community access to work-based learning by removing barriers and sharing resources. NoCo Inspire is the platform that provides you with a one-point access that gets you connected to these valuable resources.

So, what exactly is work-based learning and what does it look like? Most business owners have the mindset of relying solely on internships and apprenticeships for workforce development. While that is a part of work-based learning, opportunities expand to include so much more.

By definition, work-based learning (WBL) refers to opportunities for learning that occur in part or in whole at the workplace and that provide individuals with hands-on, real-world experiences.

The NoCo Work-Based Learning Alliance divides these opportunities into a workforce development continuum in order to meet businesses where they are and provide them with the resources they need. We’ll refer you to resources that will benefit your business in the present and in the future.

We never try to “sell” businesses on unnecessary opportunities and only connect them with the public partners in our Alliance that we know can help them achieve their goals.

The workforce development continuum includes:

• Building industry awareness and exposure
• Getting strategic with hiring and onboarding
• Developing and retaining your current workforce

Ensuring access to training and learning is critical in preparing the future workforce and fine-tuning the skills of our current workforce. If you have any questions about work-based learning in Larimer and Weld Counties and how to get involved in the community, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or any of our partners for more information.