Workplace Learning Connection connects area professionals with middle and high school students who are interested in learning about area companies and the kinds of careers they offer.
With your partnership, students learn which courses, skill sets and educational paths they need to enter a specific career field, as well as how to apply those skills in the real world.
Ready to learn more? Set up a Lunch and Learn program at your workplace and find out everything you need to know about connecting today's students to your careers tomorrow.
See how you can make a difference by connecting with area students as a WLC Business Volunteer.
Students are covered under their school district workers’ compensation policy during their career exploration experience. Iowa School-to-Work legislation information.
Job shadow students come into the workplace and spend part of a day, a minimum of two hours, learning as much as they can about what you do.
Students will observe and interact with you to see if this career is a good fit for them. The experiential learning helps them better understand available local careers, as well as make a connection between what they’re learning in high school and what will be required of them as employees.
Students are covered through their school's Worker's Compensation policy for school-to-work activities.
High school internships are one of the best ways to show young people the many career opportunities available through hands-on academic career exploration. High school juniors and seniors who participate in the internship program earn dual credit through Kirkwood Community College and their local high school. They experience career exploration onsite with a business/organization while learning professional development with WLC.
Employers will be able to meet and engage with their future workforce and develop relationships necessary to fill critical positions with homegrown talent.
Contact one of our WLC I-Team members who can provide more information on hosting an internship.
Of student interns polled:
Lead students on a tour of your facilities to show them the various career opportunities available across all aspects of your business.
Worksite tour options can be available for either high school or middle school students.
Consider participating in our Mock Interview program for high school students.
Participation in the program could include doing a class presentation on business etiquette and interviewing skills, and/or sitting down one-on-one with high school students to conduct an actual mock interview.
Mock Interviews are the culminating activity to the Business Etiquette Program, which focuses on preparing students to enter the workforce with discussion on resumes, cover letters, applications, and interviews. The actual mock interview allows teens to practice interviewing skills before the real thing.
Share your career path and experience with a small group or an entire classroom, at the middle school or high school level.
Career speakers open students’ minds to opportunities they may never have considered, as well as inform them about educational and experiential requirements for your particular career field.
You’ll enhance your company’s reputation by positioning yourself high in the minds of local teachers, students, and parents, and you will have a positive influence on the link between education and employment.
Tips for Career Presentations | Tips for Interactive Presentations
The Financial Literacy Fair is the culmination of career exploration and personal financial management. In 8th grade students explore careers based on their skills and interests. They learn how to develop and maintain a budget, balance a checking account, and the importance of saving money.
Based on their chosen career, students will receive a sample monthly paycheck to use at the Financial Literacy Fair for living expenses in their budget. The Fair is a great complement to classroom learning through a virtual reality simulation, illustrating the importance of understanding wants vs. needs.
As a Fair volunteer, you will talk with students to help them decide how to spend their money on expenses like transportation, housing, insurance, food and “extras”. Once the students have attended all booths and made their financial decisions, they meet with a financial counselor to discuss how they put their financial knowledge to work. Community volunteers are needed to staff the booths. A brief training is provided – no experience necessary.
Invest in the future of the workforce and the local community! Create a line item in your organization budget for a tax-exempt donation to Workplace Learning Connection.
Contact Kristine Bullock at kristine.bullock@kirkwood.edu or contact us at:
See Kirkwood Community College's EEO/AA Statement here.
Linn County Regional Center
1770 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, Iowa 52233
319-398-1040