Work-Based Learning Webinar on Industry Credentials

IA Workforce Press Releases

Published March 5th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education are hosting a webinar on March 10, 2026, to discuss integrating industry-recognized credentials into work-based learning programs for high schools and community colleges. The webinar will cover the definition of industry credentials, reporting requirements, and examples of integration across various sectors.

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What changed

Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education are hosting a webinar on March 10, 2026, focused on integrating industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) into work-based learning (WBL) programs. The session aims to guide educational institutions and employers on how to align WBL opportunities with IRCs, covering topics such as IRC accountability, data on reported credentials, and curriculum integration for career exploration.

Attendees will learn about best practices for incorporating IRCs into existing and new WBL programs, including examples from sectors like agriculture, applied sciences, and career and technical student organizations. The webinar is intended to provide practical insights for enhancing WBL programs through the strategic use of industry credentials.

What to do next

Register for the March 10, 2026 webinar via Zoom.
Review materials on integrating industry-recognized credentials into work-based learning programs.

Source document (simplified)

March 10, 2026 Work-Based Learning Webinar: Incorporating Industry-Recognized Credentials into Work-Based Learning

Thursday, March 5, 2026
Announcement

Incorporating Industry-Recognized Credentials into Work-Based Learning
March 10, 2026
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
**Register for the Webinar* (Zoom)*

Work-based learning provides opportunities for high schools and community colleges to integrate industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) into courses and programs. Join Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Department of Education to learn about which types of work-based learning are best suited for alignment with IRCs and how to integrate these credentials into existing and new work-based learning programs.

Presenters

Jodie Smith, Education Program Consultant-Work Based Learning & Industry Recognized Credentials, Iowa Department of Education
Shelly Duwa, Education Program Consultant, Business Education and CTSOs, Iowa Department of Education
Alan Spencer, Career and Technical Education Consultant, Iowa Department of Education
Agenda
Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC): What they are and how they fit into the Career & Technical Education (CTE) continuum
- IRC Accountability for ISPP & Reporting IRCs
- IRC Data: Most reported IRCs in 2024-2025
- Integrating IRCs into the curriculum for Career Exploration courses
Simulated Work Experiences
- School Based Enterprises
WBL & IRCs Examples
- Agriculture
- Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
- Applied Sciences
- Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)