WorkSMART Connector helps students from local schools prepare for their future careers with unique work-based learning opportunities.
The Career Academy of Pella has worked with WorkSMART Connector and other colleges and businesses to build several earn-as-they-learn programs for students. Those enrolled in this program can pursue apprenticeships in construction, early childhood education, culinary arts and hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, patient care, and welding. Director of Work-Based Learning with WorkSMART Connector Teri Vos says that their goal is to help students be prepared to enter the workforce once they graduate.
“We help students write resumes, we make sure they’re enrolled in the right trainings to get their certifications, and they go through an interview process with different employers. We want to give them a real world experience where they’re going through the same steps that they would if they were on their own applying for a job, but we walk alongside them when they register for these apprenticeships and certifications, so that they have assistance and help through it.”