In response to the contemporary workforce’s demand for dynamic skills like critical thinking and effective communication, work-integrated learning (WIL) has emerged as a vital strategy. Washington State’s Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program pioneers integrated education and skills training, particularly for adult basic education and immigrant English language learners. It aims to expedite their progression into college-level occupational programs. This chapter synthesizes I-BEST’s key features, aligning them with andrological principles in twenty-first-century WIL. By examining various I-BEST programs across colleges and incorporating case studies and student narratives, the chapter incorporates a renewed understanding of WIL for adult learners, valuing many of these learners’ prior experiences and skills developed in their country of origin and how these translate into their new context in North America through I-BEST programs. The goal is to demonstrate the significance of lifelong learning and continuing education for experienced workers seeking to upgrade their skills and gain credentials. The chapter emphasizes integrating learners’ prior experiences and skills into program development to bridge academic learning with practical application for workplace success. It also discusses strategies to overcome challenges and tailoring I-BEST to different educational contexts. The chapter explores the potential evolution and enhancements of I-BEST modules and offers valuable insights into WIL’s current and future landscape of WIL. By addressing the dynamic needs of the global workforce, this chapter contributes to the ongoing discourse on adult education and WIL. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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