Conference focuses on ‘real world’ learning for students

A one-day conference in Springfield will explore how businesses, educators and others can work together to prepare students for success in the workforce.

The July 17 workshop, Advancing Real-World Learning: Success-Ready Students in Today’s Workforce,” at the Efactory will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, panels, workshops and roundtables.

Topics include apprenticeships as a workforce training model, innovative hiring practices and talent pipelines, collaborations between employers and educators, workforce trends and future hiring needs, and preparing students for careers.

“I’m a former educator with 28 years of experience and what we know is that people learn best my doing,” said Sue Smith, workforce development specialist for the city of Springfield.

“The K-12 world is embracing real-world learning, and this event has been set up to bring educators, employers and workforce development specialists together to talk about what opportunities can actually happen.”

Smith said up to 150 people are expected to attend. The cost is $15 to attend in person and $10 to attend virtually.

The conference will also include entrepreneurship, agriculture, healthcare and emerging careers.

Smith said the goal is to look at the options currently in place, what gaps exists, and what future partnerships are possible.

“I talk to businesses all the time and they’re like ‘We need to get into the schools’ and I hear educators say all the time ‘We need to get into the business world,’” Smith said. “This event is designed to get everybody at the table to talk about how we can do a better job of preparing people for the workforce.”

The event is a collaboration with the Efactory, EdCafe, City of Springfield’s Workforce and Economic Vitality, Missouri State University’s College of Education, Greene County Commission, University of Missouri Extension. Registration is available online through MU Extension.