HTC Works, led by Hennepin Technical College, showcases a pioneering partnership between secondary, postsecondary, and work-based learning providers. By aligning business and school programs, it enhances post-graduation pathways with a college-sponsored registered apprenticeship—a novel approach in MN. Achievements include increasing WBL participation from 4.6% to 12.29% and expanding school involvement, with a goal to reach 14% by 2028.
This presentation explores a transformative partnership bridging secondary education, higher education, and work-based learning (WBL) to create impactful pathways for students. This collaboration has developed robust internships and a pioneering Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), showcasing an innovative approach to education and workforce alignment in Minnesota. Hennepin West Consortium (HWC) partnership aimed to align programs and initiatives to meet the needs of businesses and schools, amplifying opportunities for students. The core objective to create a seamless pathway from high school to post-graduation, enhancing career readiness.
Leveraging the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeships (PAYA) grant, students aided in the designed recruitment strategies. They identifying key areas for valuable work experience during high school and tackled program implementation challenges, emphasizing authentic local experiences.
The second phase aimed to position Hennepin Technical College (HTC) as a RAP sponsor, inspired by Trident Technical College in South Carolina. This strategic move offered students structured post-graduation opportunities. Research into Trident Technical College’s “Equip Your Workforce” ecosystem provided valuable insights. Collaborations with Apprenticeship MN and funding from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) facilitated the adaptation of proven strategies to Minnesota.
The partnership has expanded WBL opportunities, with secondary participation at HWC growing from 4.6% in 2021 to 12.29% in 2023. School participation increased from 4 secondary school districts in 2021 to 10 in 2024. Minnesota’s Perkins determined performance measure is set at a 14% WBL participation rate by 2028, with HWC on track to meet this by 2024.
This presentation highlights the success of a collaborative partnership integrating secondary education, college programs, and a WBL solutions provider through innovative program development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. This initiative has created valuable pathways for students, addresses critical needs in education, and prepares Minnesota’s future workforce NOW and not years in the future.
After this session, you will:- Understand HWC’s Strategic Partnership Model between secondary, postsecondary, and work-based learning (WBL) providers.
- Understand Ecosystem Benefits: Gain insights into how this collaboration aligns educational programs with industry needs to create impactful pathways for students, including the development of internships and a pioneering Registered Apprenticeship Program.
- Identify Key Phases of Program Development, partner engagement, and creating post-graduation exit-ramps.
- Understand and Apply Best Practices, research and application of PAYA’s best practices that informed the program's design and implementation.
- Analyze and Evaluate Impact of the Hennepin West Consortium’s Youth Apprenticeship initiative, including increases in work-based learning participation and expanded school involvement.
- Learn Creative Innovative Solutions to Overcome Challenges faced, particularly in navigating complex apprenticeship regulations, leveraging out-of-state WBL intermediaries, and community engagement in order to overcome and enhance program effectiveness.
