As a group of 30 area high school students begin a work-based learning experience this spring into the summer, a local organization dedicated to apprenticeships is ready to begin recruiting its next class. Teri Vos with the WorkSmart connector says any student in the region can connect with local businesses for unique earn-as-they-learn opportunities. With eight schools represented in the program based out of the Career Academy of Pella, Vos says students from any Marion County school and beyond can request an apprenticeship in several categories, including welding, engineering assistant, patient care, culinary/hospitality, construction trades, information technology, and early childhood certification. Read more about what’s available here, and interested students or families are encouraged to contact their local school’s administration or counseling staff.