Education UnPacked: Episode 10 - How Work-Based Learning Builds Real Career Pathways

Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Download the full E10 Transcript.

For many students, the question isn’t “What job do I want someday?”—it’s “What does this work even look like in real life?” That’s where work-based learning becomes transformational.

In a recent episode of Education UnPacked, we were joined by Ryan Bushnell of Block Imaging to unpack how intentional partnerships between schools and local employers are creating powerful, purpose-driven career pathways for students—long before graduation.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when education, mentorship, and industry align around one core belief: people matter.

What Is Work-Based Learning—and Why It Matters

Work-based learning gives students hands-on exposure to careers through experiences like:

• Job shadows and workplace tours

• Paid and unpaid internships

• Apprenticeships

• Career mentorship and coaching

At Wilson Talent Center, every student participates in at least one form of work-based learning, and many experience multiple opportunities as they progress. These experiences help students connect classroom learning to real-world application—and, just as importantly, build confidence.

As discussed in the episode, students don’t need to have all the answers. They need opportunities.

A Closer Look at the Block Imaging Partnership

Block Imaging, a medical imaging service company based near Wilson Talent Center, partners directly with students through job shadows, internships, and apprenticeships. Their mission—“because people matter”—guides everything from how they serve hospitals to how they mentor young professionals.

Rather than viewing students as temporary help, Block Imaging treats them as real team members.

Students working there:

• Contribute to inventory and operations that directly support hospital care

• See how their work impacts patients and providers

• Learn professional expectations, responsibility, and teamwork

• Gain exposure to careers many didn’t even know existed

For students who enjoy problem-solving, hands-on work, and figuring out how things function, this experience can be a turning point.

Why Mentorship Makes the Difference

One of the most powerful takeaways from the episode is the role mentorship plays in student success.

At Block Imaging, apprentices meet regularly with mentors who focus on:

• Personal growth and trust-building

• Goal setting and financial literacy

• Professional development and feedback

• Understanding how life outside of work affects performance

This approach recognizes that young adults are still developing their identities—and that growth happens fastest when support and challenge exist together.

The result? Students who rise to expectations, take ownership of their work, and begin to see themselves as capable professionals.

Raising the Bar for Students—and Businesses

A recurring theme in the conversation is this:
Students are capable of far more than we often assume.

When businesses provide meaningful work, clear expectations, and authentic mentorship, students respond. They learn. They grow. And they begin to envision futures rooted right here in their community.

For employers, work-based learning isn’t just workforce development—it’s talent pipeline building.
For students, it’s the difference between guessing and knowing what’s next.

Why These Stories Matter

Work-based learning works best when schools, families, and local employers collaborate. Stories like this help families understand what’s possible—and help businesses see the value of investing in young people.

Listen to the full episode of Education UnPacked to hear this conversation in the speakers’ own words and learn how work-based learning is shaping real futures across our region.

Interested in more stories like this? Explore additional student experiences, podcasts, and family resources at BackPackPress.org.