WESTNEXT • EMPLOYERS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Partner with WestNext
Get Involved. Make an Impact.
There's more than one way to make a difference through Work-Based Learning! Whether you have an hour, a day, a semester, or are ready to build a long-term talent pipeline, WestNext makes it easier for employers and community partners to connect with Hendricks County students.
Explore opportunities, hear from local employers, and find the resources you need to get started.
An Employer Perspective
Find Your Way to Get Involved
Whether you're ready to start small or build a long-term partnership, discover opportunities that fit your organization.
Tier 1 · Exploration & Awareness
Help students discover careers and what’s possible.
Speak to students
Host a tour
Attend a career event
Tier 2 · Preparation & Training
Help students build skills and prepare for the workplace.
Offer a job shadow
Mentor or partner
Support a real-world project
Tier 3 · Experience & Beyond
Give students hands-on experience while building your future talent pipeline.
Host an intern
Support a capstone
Explore apprenticeships
Ready to Partner with WestNext?
Tell us about your organization and how you’d like to connect with students.
Complete the Employer Interest Form →Employer & Community Organization Quick Start Resources
Helpful tools and resources to get started with Work-Based Learning.
EARN Indiana
Explore internship funding and employer reimbursement opportunities.
JobReady360 · Coming Soon
A centralized tool to connect with students and manage Work-Based Learning opportunities.
Indiana WBL Resources
Explore state guidelines, requirements, and resources for Work-Based Learning.
WestNext Employer Toolkit
Access templates, tips, and tools for creating meaningful student experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions for Employers & Community Partners
What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning connects employers with students through meaningful workplace experiences that help develop Indiana's future workforce.
Why should my company participate?
Participating helps build your future talent pipeline, introduce students to your industry, develop future employees, increase community engagement, strengthen relationships with local schools, and help students make informed career decisions.
What types of Work-Based Learning experiences can we offer?
Career speakers, industry tours, job shadows, mock interviews, career fairs, project-based learning, mentorships, paid internships, and apprenticeships. Every employer can participate in a way that fits their capacity.
Does every opportunity have to be an internship?
No. Many employers begin with a classroom presentation, facility tour, or a short job shadow. Every experience helps students learn.
What industries are needed?
Every industry has something valuable to offer, including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, logistics, finance, construction, government, nonprofit organizations, education, hospitality, and agriculture.
What is expected of participating employers?
Provide a safe learning environment, designate a workplace mentor or supervisor, communicate expectations clearly, and offer meaningful learning experiences.
Is there paperwork involved?
Some experiences require agreements or documentation depending on the student's school and the type of placement. WestNext and school partners help guide employers through required steps.
Do I have to pay students?
Payment depends on the type of experience. Job shadows and career exploration are typically unpaid. Internships and longer work experiences may be paid based on employer policies and school requirements. For paid internships, explore EARN Indiana.
What if we've never hosted students before?
That's perfectly okay. WestNext and your local school partners will help identify an opportunity that matches your comfort level.
How much time is required?
Participation is flexible. Some employers volunteer for a single hour; others host semester-long internships.
Who do I contact to get started?
Complete the Employer Interest Form or contact the WestNext team. We'll connect you with school partners and help identify the best fit.
What’s your next step?
Every connection can help a student see what’s possible and help our community build its future workforce.