Webinar recap “Exploring work-based learning for modern, adult, and new learners.”

On March 20, 2025, Riipen hosted an insightful webinar titled “Exploring work-based learning for modern, adult, and new learners” to explore the challenges and opportunities of work-based learning, particularly for today’s complex and evolving learner population. Featuring insights from Dr. Adrian Haugabrook, Founder and Principal at Quinta Essentia Ventures, TED speaker with over a million views, and a global leader in transforming higher education, Josh Mitchell, Riipen’s VP of Academic Partnerships, and Dr. Mara Woody, Riipen’s Director, Strategic Partnerships, the discussion centered on how institutions, employers, and learners can collaborate to create more accessible, flexible, and impactful experiential learning programs.  Dr. Haugabrook brought a powerful lens to the conversation, drawing on his career-long commitment to breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for learners of all backgrounds.

Dr. Woody opened the discussion by emphasizing the critical need to develop work-based learning programs that support all learners, particularly those navigating multiple pathways and priorities. She highlighted that many learners today do not follow the traditional four-year college model. Instead, they balance work, caregiving responsibilities, and other commitments alongside their education and need opportunities to further their education in smaller chunks throughout their lifetimes. The conversation focused on identifying effective strategies to ensure that experiential learning opportunities are accessible to a broader range of learners, including those who might not have the flexibility for full-time internships or apprenticeships.

Watch the full webinar recording:

Understanding today’s learners.

The traditional image of a full-time, four-year college student living on campus no longer reflects the reality of most learners. Today’s learners are often older, balancing work and education, and managing additional responsibilities such as caregiving or financial obligations. Yet, they are still labeled as "nontraditional"—a term that suggests they are exceptions rather than the norm and carries deficit-based connotations.

Instead, the panelists emphasized the importance of shifting to a new learner framework—one that acknowledges and embraces the realities of modern learners. A new learner may:

• Work full-time or part-time while pursuing a degree.
• Be a caregiver for children or elderly family members.
• Have a delayed or interrupted path to postsecondary education.
• Come from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with varying levels of support.
• Be an international or first-generation college student navigating unfamiliar systems.

Dr. Haugabrook challenged the assumption that these learners should conform to outdated higher education models. Instead, he called for institutions to meet learners where they are by implementing competency-based education and stackable credentials—approaches that offer flexibility, personalization, and accessibility throughout a learner’s lifetime.

The role of work-based learning in learner success.

Work-based learning (WBL) is a high-impact practice that provides learners with hands-on experience in real-world settings. This type of learning helps bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, enhancing career readiness and professional skills.

Compelling research highlighting the impact of WBL on career outcomes:

• Learners participating in internships or work-based learning programs are significantly less likely to be underemployed after graduation.
• A Business-Higher Education Forum report found that 8.2 million learners sought internships, yet only 3.6 million secured one—indicating a significant access gap.
• Learners who engage in experiential learning during college reduce their risk of underemployment by almost 50%. (source: Strada Education Foundation. Talent Disrupted)

Dr. Haugabrook stressed that WBL should focus on employability and enhancing quality of life. Gaining experience while earning a degree helps learners maintain financial stability, build confidence, and develop skills that serve them well in both professional and personal capacities.

Addressing accessibility barriers in WBL.

Despite the clear benefits, WBL opportunities are often inaccessible to many learners. Traditional internship models require a level of flexibility that many new learners simply don’t have. Factors such as location, financial constraints, and time commitments can create barriers to participation.

Key strategies for increasing access to WBL:

• Flexible and scalable models: Embedding project-based learning within coursework allows learners to gain experience without taking on additional burdens outside their studies.
• Strong industry partnerships: Engaging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by reducing administrative burdens and offering structured collaboration.
• Leveraging technology: Online and digital WBL platforms enable learners to work remotely with employers, eliminating geographic and scheduling constraints.

Josh Mitchell highlighted Riipen’s project-based model, which allows learners to gain experience within their academic programs rather than requiring them to complete separate internships. This model benefits learners and makes it easier for businesses, particularly SMEs, to participate in experiential learning without the overhead of traditional internship programs.

Challenges and opportunities for employers.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) make up 99% of all businesses in both the U.S. and Canada, yet they are the least likely to participate in traditional internships due to resource constraints, administrative burdens, and compliance concerns.

Josh Mitchell highlighted how Riipen’s project-based learning model offers a practical alternative, allowing employers to engage with learners through short-term, structured projects—without the overhead of a full internship program. This model:

• Eliminates the need for full internship programs by offering structured, short-term projects.
• Provides a low-risk, high-impact way to connect with learner talent.
• Helps employers build brand awareness and strengthen workforce readiness.

Dr. Haugabrook emphasized that these collaborations give employers access to emerging talent and contribute to long-term workforce development. However, for these partnerships to thrive, institutions must reduce administrative barriers, align employer needs with academic outcomes, and facilitate engagement for businesses of all sizes. 

Riipen’s role in bridging the gap.

Riipen addresses these challenges by making work-based learning more accessible, structured, and scalable. Through its marketplace model, Riipen connects educators, learners, and employers to facilitate meaningful experiential learning experiences.

Key features of Riipen’s approach include:

• A vast employer network: With over 44,000 industry partners, Riipen offers a diverse range of project-based learning opportunities.
• Embedded curriculum models: Institutions can integrate real-world projects into coursework, ensuring all learners gain practical experience.
• Support for SMEs: Riipen reduces administrative burdens, making it easier for small businesses to engage with learners through short-term, flexible projects.

By providing structured, project-based alternatives, Riipen helps bridge the gap between learners and employers, ensuring that more learners gain valuable work experience—regardless of their circumstances.

Innovative models for work-based learning.

Josh highlighted several innovative approaches institutions use to integrate experiential learning into their programs. These models are designed to expand access, enhance career readiness, and ensure that all learners—regardless of background—can gain meaningful, hands-on experience.

Examples of innovative work-based learning models shared during the webinar:

• UC Riverside Extension – Leverages Riipen to support international and working adult learners who face visa and employment barriers, enabling them to gain practical experience without traditional employment constraints.
• UNC Charlotte & UVA – Offer project-based internships for academic credit, ensuring learners can develop industry-relevant skills while progressing toward their degrees.
• Georgetown University & Springboard – Integrate capstone projects into non-degree and bootcamp programs, giving learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
• The AI Readiness Consortium (Complete College America collaboration) – Equips community colleges with AI-focused experiential learning opportunities, preparing learners and employers for the future of work.

These examples illustrate how institutions can embed work-based learning into diverse educational pathways, ensuring greater flexibility, accessibility, and career alignment.

Measuring success beyond employment rates.

A key discussion point was the need to assess the impact of work-based learning beyond traditional employment outcomes. While securing a job after graduation is important, panelists emphasized that success should be measured through a broader set of indicators, including:

• Career clarity: Helping learners identify their interests and professional goals.
• Skill development: Evaluating growth in both technical and soft skills.
• Long-term career mobility: Tracking learners' ability to secure meaningful, sustainable careers.
• Personal fulfillment: Ensuring learners feel empowered and satisfied in their career choices.

Dr. Haugabrook also highlighted student debt burden as a critical metric. Programs that integrate work experience into education can help reduce financial strain, make career pathways more accessible, and improve learners’ overall quality of life.

To truly support learners, institutions must move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and adopt personalized, competency-based learning pathways that align with the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

Key takeaways.

The webinar underscored the need for institutions and employers to rethink traditional approaches to work-based learning. By prioritizing accessibility, flexibility, and opportunity, educators and industry leaders can develop programs that better serve all learners.

Key insights from the discussion:

• Work-based learning must be learner-centered – Programs should be designed around learners’ real-world needs, including those balancing work, caregiving, or nontraditional education paths.
• Industry-academic partnerships are critical – Collaboration between employers and institutions is essential for scaling experiential learning opportunities.
• Technology can eliminate barriers – Digital platforms make WBL more accessible, removing geographic and scheduling constraints.
• Success goes beyond employment rates – Metrics should include career clarity, skill development, job satisfaction, and long-term employability.

As Riipen and its partners continue to drive innovation in this space, the goal remains clear: to ensure that every learner has access to meaningful, career-building opportunities.

Moving forward: Building sustainable partnerships.

The webinar concluded with a discussion on the importance of collaboration between institutions, employers, and workforce development organizations. The most effective programs proactively remove barriers for both learners and employers, ensuring that work-based learning opportunities are structured, scalable, and inclusive.

As Riipen continues its mission to reduce underemployment and expand access to experiential learning, we remain committed to working alongside educators, employers, and workforce development leaders to create impactful, career-building opportunities for all learners.

Ready to expand work-based learning at your institution? Let’s explore how Riipen can support your learners with accessible, project-based experiences. Book a chat wit our team today.

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