Twenty-two area high school students entering work-based programs through the WorkSmart Connector celebrated signing apprenticeship contracts with area businesses at Pella High School Wednesday afternoon.

A signing day event was held to recognize individuals from area schools entering “earn as they learn” programs, which also include potential certifications and college credits. Hear from some of the students on this Friday’s edition of Let’s Talk Pella.

Since the program started in 2018, 45 students have started with the program, not including this year’s group, some of which are also from outside of the Pella Community School District. WorkSmart Connector and the Career Academy of Pella have also partnered with nearby districts and DMACC for support.

The following students signed for the upcoming academic year:
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CONSTRUCTION TRADES – Eagle Electric, G&B Concrete, Gritters Electric, Hopkins Roofing, Lanser Home Service, NuMark Building Corp, Van Haaften Plumbing and Heating
-Grant Cook
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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION – New Horizons Academy
– Hailey Van Vark
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ENGINEERING
Pella Corporation
-Ethan Hol
-Elijah Seelye
Vermeer Corporation – Trevor Hundt
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HOSPITALITY – Country Inn & Suites, GrandStay Hotel & Suites, In’tVeld’s Meat Market and Butcher’s Brewhuis, Liberty Street Kitchen, Wesley Life
-Landon Hudson
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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Musco Lighting – Jesse Van Heukelom
Pella Corporation
-John De Bruin
-Micah Smith
Vermeer Corporation
-Reegan Plate
-Maylei Ruggles
-Atticus Vos
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PATIENT CARE – Pella Regional Hospital and Wesley Life
-Ashton Huizer
-Berklie McKay
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WELDING
Co-Line – Kade Almond
LDJ – Braxlee Bandstra
Precision – Ethan Berning
Ring-O-Matic – Jason Hol
Vermeer Corporation
-Maren Christian
-Cole Schakel
-Noah Abbott
Weiler – Whitney Ebeling