From classrooms to careers: How industry immersion is reshaping education
Discover the importance of industry immersion and learn how Florida’s innovative Industry Immersion initiative is transforming education by empowering educators to connect classrooms with careers.
Educators tasked with preparing students for real-world success often focus on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a bright future. Nurturing competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, teamwork, persistence, and adaptability is crucial and paves the way for successfully navigating work-related challenges ahead. However, there is one step missing in instruction: instilling in students firsthand insights into real-world careers.
Students need to connect the dots between the skills and competencies they’re learning in the classroom and how they apply these skills to the real world. With today’s technology, educators are in a unique position to learn about local businesses and workforce needs, and, in turn, guide students toward meaningful career exploration.
Industry Immersion is a new educational approach that connects educators with local businesses. It familiarizes them with workforce needs and creates a network of contacts and insights they can use to guide students in researching and developing practical career goals.
Students build relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes that resonate with employers, and they also identify opportunities that align with their future goals. Educators become the facilitators, guiding students through the process and exposing them to experiences highly relevant to their future career readiness.
What is industry immersion and why does it matter?
Industry immersion is the process of connecting K-12 educators, counselors, and post-secondary career advisors with local businesses. It raises awareness of high-demand careers and essential technical and employability skills. Activities include on-site visits, hands-on exposure to business operations, and real conversations with workforce leaders. Educators leave with a new context to bring relevance to their classrooms and help students explore paths aligned with opportunities.
A statewide vision for career readiness
Florida’s Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work strategy is an excellent example of a considered and organized Industry Immersion initiative. The program equips educators with the knowledge and resources needed to guide students toward suitable career paths, particularly those aligned with Florida’s in-demand workforce needs.
Rachel Ludwig, VP of Talent Development for the Future of Work in Florida, is tasked with convening educators, business leaders, and Xello, the statewide partner providing the college and career platform and expertise. The state’s focus is to align education with Florida’s in-demand workforce needs and prepare every student for life after high school, whether that involves attending college, pursuing a career, or receiving training.
Xello’s part in the Future of Work industry immersion initiative
Xello complements this initiative by turning workforce exposure into student-centered exploration and planning. The platform is multifaceted, enabling students to create a profile while collaborating with educators to set relevant and meaningful career goals. Local businesses can create a free account and showcase company insights, highlight available career opportunities, and, with the help of immersed educators, connect with students for internships, company shadowing, summer and part-time jobs, and more.
Deeply embedded in Xello and the Florida initiative, Noa Lipton, Xello Territory Manager, and Ralph Aiello, Partnership Manager for Xello’s Work-Based Learning program, recently appeared on the Future of Work Florida podcast, hosted by Rachel Ludwig. They discussed ongoing efforts to increase work-based learning across Florida and how their partnership is bridging the gap between education and the real world.
“Students can get to see the ‘why’ behind their education. It makes school feel more relevant for them,” explains Aiello. “It’s a space where employer partners can introduce themselves to students and show who they are, what they do, and what kinds of opportunities they offer.”
The Xello platform collects and uses students’ personalized data to match them up with companies, careers, and experiences (the data remains private). Aiello believes this makes the program so meaningful.
“It bridges the gap by giving students direct access to people and information they need to take that step, whether that’s an internship, apprenticeship, or job shadowing.”
As students absorb more career information and opportunities than ever before, Aiello is noticing a shift toward students pursuing certification and apprenticeship pathways rather than attending four-year colleges. With guidance from educators, students are building credentials that hold value in the job marketplace. Increased awareness of what’s available helps students choose personally meaningful careers and align with high-demand areas in Florida.
Noa Lipton, Territory Manager and lead for Xello’s work-based learning (WBL) management program in Florida, adds, “The more businesses that engage with us by offering WBL experiences, mentorships, and career insights, the stronger the Florida talent pipelines become. Xello can be the bridge connecting students with real-world opportunities that will prepare them for high-demand careers. Ultimately, we’re fueling a stronger future-ready workforce.”
Building work-based learning programs that future-proof student success
The work-based learning approach expands the influence educators have with students. Educators are now aligned with businesses and positioned to help students connect and network with potential future employers.
Employers can mentor students, participate in mock interviews, speak at events and career fairs, host students for job shadowing, and offer additional opportunities. It’s a valuable tool for businesses, and it opens up a new world of possibilities for students. Educators have intensified their efforts and are now the central focus for student career preparation and talent development to meet Florida’s pipeline needs.
Career readiness starts with educator readiness
The future of work isn’t just about students knowing what’s out there; it’s about educators being properly equipped to guide them. Offering educators pertinent professional development around work-based learning and immersing them in high-growth, high-demand industries adds relevance to the classroom. When educators understand the world of work, students get more meaningful guidance.
Florida’s innovative Future of Work initiative bridges the gap between the world of work and relevant career pathways. When we provide educators with the tools and experiences to lead, every student has the opportunity to build a successful, self-defined future.
Educators: Is your district partnered with, or know of a local business looking to make a difference in tomorrow’s workforce? We’re inviting businesses across Florida to join Xello’s Work-Based Learning network—all they have to do is sign up to get started!
