Enhancing Access to Workforce Training: A Guide to Supporting Multilingual Learners’ Participation in Integrated Education and Training
    Author: Jessie Stadd and Laura Rasmussen Foster
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This guide supports the development of workforce training programs, including Integrated Education and Training (IET), that maximizes accessibility for multilingual learners. To prepare multilingual learners for success in the workforce, adult education programs can develop workforce training programs, including IET, that maximizes accessibility for multilingual learners, helping them to access and succeed in these programs. The guide describes the required components of IET, potential barriers for multilingual learners, and, strategies for supporting their participation and success in education and workforce training. The strategies focus on four key topics:
    • program design,
    • partnerships,
    • navigation and advising, and
    • instructional approaches.
    For each strategy, the guide summarizes actions to take and additional resources to explore. The guide also provides tips for using a learner-centered approach within each of these strategies.
    Benefits and Uses
    This guide is designed for adult education providers who are already offering IET programming or connections to IET programs. Program designers and staff can help use the strategies described in the guide to help learners build the language skills and workforce knowledge they need to participate and be successful in IET and other education and training opportunities. By using a learner-centered approach and intentionally connecting multilingual learners with IET programs, adult educators can leverage learners’ assets to address their linguistic, academic, workforce, and basic needs barriers and bring learner voice into program design. These practices can help multilingual learners access and succeed in workforce training programs, preparing them for good jobs that enable their economic integration into their communities.
    Resource Notice
    This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites. Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
    Publication Year
    2024
    Integrated Education and Training Design Toolkit and Train-the-Trainer Resources
    Author: Amanda Ahlstrand, Debby Andrews, Michelle Carson, KayLynn Hamilton, Jennifer Jirous-Rapp, Gina Wells, and Blaire Willson-Toso
    Subject Area: IET, LINCS Resources
    Program Level: Professional Development
    Material Type: Collection
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) supported development of the Integrated Education and Training (IET) Toolkit to assist state and local adult education staff to plan, design, implement, and evaluate effective IET programs that are responsive to state and local labor market demands and fulfill the requirements of WIOA.  Please find the online, interactive Toolkit at the link here: https://courses.lincs.ed.gov/course/view.php?id=268.  (Please note that you have to have a LINCS account to access the course.) The Toolkit has been updated since the initial release posted in October 2021.
    In early 2024, the PDF version of the Toolkit was updated to include links to desk aids that support the development of IET programs that are fully accessible to English Learners. These desk aids were created with support from OCTAE through the Enhancing Access for Refugees and New Americans project. In addition, OCTAE’s IET in Corrections project has created the IET in Corrections: A Companion Guide to the IET Design Toolkit to provide further consideration and tools for those designing IET programs for delivery in correctional facilities.
    Publication Year
    2025
    Benefits and Uses
    The Toolkit is designed to support IET program implementation in alignment with WIOA statute and regulations. It is a comprehensive set of steps and activities that can be used in whole or in part to design and develop an IET program from scratch or to enhance existing programs. The Train-the-Trainer materials can be used to provide professional development to staff involved in administering and designing IET programs and can be tailored to a specific state or local context.
    Required Training
    No prior training required.
    Resource Notice
    This site includes links to information created by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this non-ED information. The inclusion of these links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse views expressed, or products or services offered, on these non-ED sites. Please note that privacy policies on non-ED sites may differ from ED’s privacy policy. When you visit lincs.ed.gov, no personal information is collected unless you choose to provide that information to us. We do not give, share, sell, or transfer any personal information to a third party. We recommend that you read the privacy policy of non-ED websites that you visit. We invite you to read our privacy policy.
    Resource URL: https://lincs.ed.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/IET-Toolkit-2025.pdf
    Building Stronger Pipelines: Advancing IET and Apprenticeship Programs Through Language and Employer Partnerships
    Author: Eric Kohler, Rebecca Stanley, and Tadd Wamester
    Subject Area: Apprenticeship, IET
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    As workforce needs shift and career pathways evolve, integrated education and training (IET) and apprenticeship models offer powerful tools for helping adult learners access high-demand jobs. But how do programs move from planning to full-scale implementation and ensure these pathways are equitable and accessible for English learners? In this webinar, we will explore how adult education programs are building and expanding IET and apprenticeship pipelines through cross-sector collaboration, employer partnerships, and digital tools that support language and literacy instruction. Speakers will share real-world examples, highlight common roadblocks, and offer actionable strategies to increase access, improve learner outcomes, and meet workforce demand. The needs of special populations, including internationally trained professionals will be explored. Whether you’re designing a new IET program or looking to take an existing model to the next level, this webinar will provide practical insights and replicable strategies for building programs that work for both learners and employers. Original webinar date: September 30, 2025 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/ElfsK9XYugU https://youtu.be/ElfsK9XYugU
    From Pilot Program to Statewide System: Building a Statewide IET Culture Through Data Sharing, Peer Networks, Professional Development, and Partnerships
    Author: Dr. Kate Rolander
    Subject Area: IET
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    This webinar will present a step-by-step deep dive into how one state built a culture of IET through professional development, peer networks, data sharing, and partnerships. In this session, we’ll share examples of IET implementation guidance, professional development, IET checklists, IET data sharing, and intentional networking spaces that lead to high quality and sustainable IET programming across a wide range of learner populations and industry clusters in both urban and rural communities. Original webinar date: January 18, 2024 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/rswcjnHZvWA
    Entrepreneurship Bridges & IETs for the Innovation & Gig Economy
    Author: Dr. Cheryl Ayers, Jordan Reaves, Sarah Goldammer, Tara Schwab, Jessica Untch, Debra Bruce, and Errick Baldwin
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    The Innovation and Gig Economy is here to stay, so it is important to prepare adult learners with an entrepreneurial mindset and innovation-based workforce-readiness skills to productively participate in it as employees and/or entrepreneurs, especially through ventures that leverage regional trends in digital entertainment and wagering. Join the conversation and ask questions about integrating entrepreneurship education and certifications across adult education programs for more empowered, prosperous employment outcomes. A collection of helpful resources and best practices will be shared, including the annual COABE Online Entrepreneurship Institute for Adult Educators & Service Providers and the U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examinations available in HS/HSE/IET, ABE/ESL, and Spanish versions, highlighting how participants have built programs around Texas sports betting apps to tap into sports enthusiasm and mobile platforms for sustainable income streams. Previous COABE Institute participants from around the country who have already started Entrepreneurship Bridges and Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs will share strategies and tips on how to get started, drawing from their experiences in fostering tech-savvy business models.

      Original webinar date: August 9, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/0pamFKCClF0 Webinar presentation slides and resources link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10ObO-RGNoomk85XVr8pX4iJMGkN_gpdD?usp=sharing
    New Measurable Skill Gains Models are Coming: Are You Ready?
    Author: Anson Green, Javier Suarez-Alvarez, Jen Vanek, and Maria Oliveri
    Subject Area: IET, Workforce
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Satisfied with current NRS tests? Probably not. Come learn what the future of Measurable Skill Gains assessment looks like. Assessment researchers and leading adult education practitioners will describe how revolutionary new methods are being applied to support the next generation of NRS assessments under a Department of Education project. Skills developed in IET and workplace learning tasks are hard to measure. This webinar will describe how future assessments will be closely aligned to close this gap. Original webinar date: June 13, 2023 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/EMMt_Y9T1ck
    Leveraging a Flipped Classroom Model for IET Programs
    Author: Katie Brown and Marc Goldberg
    Subject Area: IET
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs are one way to create inclusive career pathways. By incorporating language and other foundational skills training with career and credential preparation, programs can help immigrants, refugees, and speakers of other languages quickly access the skills and qualifications they need for family-sustaining wages. However, one of the perceived challenges with these programs is that they often have learners with a wide range of educational and linguistic backgrounds. Fortunately, a flipped classroom model allows programs to meet the needs of diverse learners with strategic individualized instruction. This webinar brings together two experts in both workforce development and English language training to discuss how and why the flipped classroom is so successful with IET programs. After a brief discussion of how and why this model works, the webinar will include practical, contextualized examples of successful programs. Original webinar date: August 24, 2022 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/xlchBEMLci8
    Contextualized Teaching and Learning for Integrated Education and Training (IET)
    Author: Ronald Cruz
    Subject Area: IET
    Program Level: Adult Basic Education
    Language: English
    License: (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) For license summary click here

    Abstract:

    Contextualized Teaching and Learning (CTL) is critical to the success of any Integrated Education and Training (IET) program. Learn about its critical components, implementation, and supporting research to ensure student success in these programs. Explore how CTL is applied in full display through demonstrations, hands-on activities, sample lessons, and other resources developed by Florida adult educators. Discuss strategic considerations for starting or expanding CTL at your school and network with other experts for solutions. Original webinar date: May 23, 2022 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/cYZi_2TXPW4