Students Sign With Local Employers in Work-Based Learning Program

Pella, IA (05/26/2020) — Career Academy of Pella hosted a virtual signing day on May 20 to welcome participants into a new and expanding work-based educational program in Marion County.

In total, 13 students from high schools in Pella signed letters with the U.S. Department of Labor to participate in apprenticeship programs in welding and engineering or made a commitment to information technology and early education certifications.

Students are paired with area businesses to enjoy paid employment while earning post-secondary credit for the training to apply toward a degree.

"This is a collaboration that is positively changing young lives, now and in the future, providing career pathways to in-demand fields right here in Iowa," says Teri Vos, director of the work-based learning program. "Thank you to the high school students, employers and all partners creating these valuable experiences."

The work-based learning program is funded in part by a grant from Future Ready Iowa, with additional guidance and support from Iowa Workforce Development throughout the expansion of work-based learning in the region. It is a collaborative community project whose participants currently include area educational institutions and employers.

The following are in the 2020-21 program:

Welding Apprenticeship

Brendan Van Gorp - Co-Line Manufacturing

Matthew Lunsford - LDJ Manufacturing

Jayden Jansen - Vermeer Corporation

Silas Vanderhoff - Vermeer Corporation

Colton Downing - Weiler Inc.

Landen Van Heukelom - Weiler Inc.

Engineering Assistant Apprenticeship

Noah Seelye - Pella Corp.

IT Certification, ICE Technologies and Vermeer

Grant Alsum

Elyse Kriegel

William Rasmussen

Vaughn Thompson

Early Childhood Education Certification

Sydney Davis - Pella Early Learning Center

Olivia Van Wyk - Pella Early Learning Center

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