Transforming the future of work: Insights from the AI-Integrated Work-Based Learning Forum.

​​As technology advances, AI is no longer just a tool for companies—it’s shaping how industries evolve and how we define work. At Riipen, we’re proud to collaborate with Complete College America (CCA) on the AI Readiness Consortium - bringing together five open-access institutions across the US. As part of this program, Riipen and CCA hosted the AI-Integrated Work-Based Learning Forum at City Colleges Chicago. The event brought together educators and local employers to explore how we can best design work-based learning (WBL) experiences for students, integrating AI intentionally into the classroom, and driving value for both learners and industry partners.  .

For many students, bridging the gap between theory and real-world work can be challenging. However, when AI is introduced thoughtfully into the equation, it can help create the types of hands-on experiences students need to be prepared for future job markets. As we move forward, higher education institutions must adapt their curriculum and design and deliver real-world learning experiences. This is where work-based learning comes in—and where AI fits into the future of education.

Co-designing work-based learning experiences with AI in mind.

What made the forum unique was its focus on dialogue—bringing together employers and educators to design and scope work-based learning experiences far before the students embark on these projects in the Fall. . This proactive approach ensures that the skills students develop are directly aligned with the needs of employers.

The feedback and discussions from the forum will directly inform the course delivery of the five participating educators and the experiential learning projects that students from City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) will work on. By providing an intentional forum for industry-educator dialogue in advance and considering the evolving workforce needs in the age of AI, we are positioning students to gain relevant skills that are responsive to local industry needs. The event showcased that, when institutions and employers co-design work-based learning, the results for students and businesses are mutually beneficial.

AI literacy and the evolving skills gap.

AI's fast-paced nature means it is reshaping the skills required for future work. While the landscape is dynamic, the urgency of building an AI-literate workforce is clear. Employers need workers who understand AI and are ready to apply it. Educational institutions must adjust by embedding AI competencies into their programs to make sure students are equipped for success.

One clear takeaway from the event is that AI literacy is no longer optional. As industries continue to evolve, skills related to AI will become foundational for students entering the workforce. However, as AI evolves, so too must the methods used to teach it. One of the most powerful ways we can do this is through work-based learning—offering students the chance to learn in real-world environments with direct employer input.

Collaboration is key.

The ongoing discussion highlighted the need for shared competency frameworks that keep pace with rapid technological changes. As AI continues to drive disruption, institutions must remain adaptable. Riipen’s platform supports this adaptability by creating a scalable system where real-world industry challenges can be integrated into academic courses through project-based learning. 

With shared competency frameworks, embedded compatibility assessments, and dynamic match-making, our experiences are designed to promote collaboration between educators and employers when scoping work-based learning projects and ensure they are relevant and meaningful.

The road ahead: Scaling AI education for all.

At Riipen, we’ve seen how small, strategic projects integrated into curricula can help bridge the gap between educational expectations and industry needs. These real-world pilot programs offer invaluable insights and hands-on experience; they have the potential to provide students with the opportunity to practice AI-related skills. This iterative process is key, as AI and work-based learning must evolve together.

Looking ahead, the conversations started at the forum will directly shape the Fall student experiences at CCC. The insights shared will help colleges across North America scale AI education, ensuring all students have access to cutting-edge training in AI competencies, whether they’re interested in IT, business, or another sector. AI will undoubtedly shape the future of work—but it’s how we integrate it into higher education today that will determine how ready our workforce is for tomorrow.

By working with educators, employers, and technology providers to co-design this experience, we can ensure that AI is seamlessly embedded into the educational journey and that students gain the practical, in-demand skills they need to thrive in the workforce.

Riipen’s partnership with CCA and our work with employers to design future-focused, AI-driven work-based learning projects signal an exciting future. By collaborating on solutions today, we ensure students are ready for tomorrow's workforce. We’ll continue to adapt our platform to meet the demands of both learners and employers, ensuring we empower students to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

For more information on Complete College America (CCA), visit https://www.riipen.com/cca.