The new Career Academy of Pella and WORKSmart Connector Apprenticeship programs have afforded new pathways to careers and postsecondary education for local students.

Carver Van Zee has been an Engineering Assistant with Pella Corporation, and the Pella High School senior recently signed to pursue a degree at William Penn in Industrial Technology, join the shotgun sports team, and continue work at Pella Corp. Van Zee says he’s thankful for the opportunity to learn while working, and the ability to continue his high school life at the same time.

“When I first went in, I was in shock and going in blind and not really having any clue on what to do, but when I jumped into the role, I realized it was a lot of stuff I already knew how to do from previous experiences from working construction to having design classes at school,” he says. “So that allowed me to excel in my role and succeed.”

Hear more about Van Zee’s apprenticeship journey on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.