Date of Graduation
5-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Workforce Development Education (EdD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods
Advisor/Mentor
Maddox, James F.
Committee Member
Grover, Kenda S.
Second Committee Member
Samuels, Mandel G.
Keywords
Credential attainment; Electronics Technology; Work-based learning
Abstract
The manufacturing industry today is facing a critical shortage in the availability of talent and skills needed in an ever-changing technological workforce. With an estimated 2.1 million jobs in the manufacturing industry predicted to be unfilled by 2030, organizations are struggling to find a workforce with the skills needed for this evolving industry (NAM, 2020; Ahmad, 2019). Employers have often suggested there is a lack of alignment between classroom experience in higher education, and work-based learning (WBL) is one option to bridge this gap (Krishnamoorthy & Keating, 2021). WBL provides real world experiences that connect learning in the classroom (Krishnamoorthy & Keating, 2021; Arthur-Mensah, 2017).
The purpose of this research study was to explore the relationship between work-based learning (WBL) participation and postsecondary credential attainment, time to complete postsecondary credentials and job placement in the electronics technology workforce. WBL encompasses multiple types of experiences that provide opportunities to connect classroom instruction with real-world application (Krishnamoorthy & Keating, 2021; Arthur-Mensah, 2017). This study focused on apprenticeships and internships as the types of WBL in an electronics technology field of study.
The research study utilized a quantitative, correlational research approach with a sample population from a regional comprehensive university. Participants were sked to complete a survey. Analysis of the data found that no significant relationship existed between participation in WBL experiences and completion of postsecondary credentials, time to complete postsecondary credentials and job attainment in the electronics technology field. Keywords: Work-based learning, Electronics technology, Credential attainment
Citation
Seidenzahl, A. J. (2025). Evaluating the Impact of Work-Based Learning on Postsecondary Completion and Job Placement of Electronics Technology Students. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5710
