Types of careers in this pathway include: engineers, architects, construction roles, computer software developers, CAD drafters, diesel mechanics, transportation careers, scientists and more!
Explore the opportunities listed below, when you find the career exploration event you'd like to attend, write down its name so it is handy when you fill out your application.
Are you interested in exploring a career as an auto technician, auto mechanic, body shop technician or automotive salesperson? Do you like working with your hands? If so, this experience is for you! Hear from local auto mechanics about their career, their training and what a typical day looks like. Observe certified mechanics at work, you’ll even get to see an oil change and tour the shop! You will also hear from the auto sales manager about their role and management of the day to day. Come join us at Billion Auto in Iowa City! Hosted April 2024. Cap of 10.
Are you interested in cars? Ever questioned how engines operate, tinkered around on a vehicle or performed basic car maintenance? Interact with dozens of local automotive industry partners to explore the future of Auto Tech in the region. This unique job shadow experience is formatted like a career fair and offers participants hands-on activities as well as new technology demonstrations. Participants will be able to interact with service technicians, shop foremen and service managers from dealerships and shops throughout the corridor. There are TONS of prizes and swag handed out throughout the event and lunch is provided. After lunch, current Kirkwood automotive technology students will be putting some cars on our 4 wheel chassis dynamometer. Held on April 5, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
If you are interested in piloting, aircraft mechanics, or aviation engineering, this is the career exploration opportunity for you. During this day you will learn how to get your piloting license and ratings, and available careers for pilots and aircraft mechanics. You will also get an inside look at the inner workings of an airport by touring their facilities including the Operator Performance Laboratory and maintenance shop. Cap of 18.
Do you have a passion for mechanics and aviation? This job shadow will introduce you to exciting careers in the aviation maintenance or aviation repair industry! Held at an airplane hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport, see how an aviation mechanic inspects the engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories, electrical systems, and other parts of an aircraft, and does the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts. Get the inside scoop on the hands-on training that will be offered through Kirkwood’s brand new Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. Held on Friday, March 1, 2024, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Cap of 15.
Do you enjoy solving problems, servicing customers, and working with fellow owners? Explore the growing fields of supply chain and warehouse logistics while learning how Van Meter’s culture and employee-owner experience makes it a fun place to work! Join the team for a tour of the facility and meet with Operations staff to learn about a variety of careers such as traveling construction coordinator, commodities team member, driver, and more. Held on February 8th, 2024, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
If you are interested in chemistry and consumer product testing, then this day is for you! Experience the life of a quality analyst at Frontier Co-op. Learn about the main testing methods used to ensure high quality spices, culinary herbs and essential oils. Gain insight into the diverse set of quality indicators, as well as regulatory requirements used at Frontier Co-op. Cap of 6.
Learn about biomedical, mechanical, CAD, and manufacturing engineers from a cutting-edge medical device company as well as do some problem solving of your own. Hosted Feb/Mar 2024. Cap of 20.
Explore the available STEM careers in the agriculture sector. If you know you’re interested in agriculture but you just want to know what opportunities are available, then this is the perfect job shadow for you. Learn more about becoming an agricultural or environmental engineer, agronomist, and a specialist in livestock. Hosted in April or early May 2024 at the ISU research farm in Crawfordsville. Cap of 10.
Do you enjoy being outdoors and helping others in your community? If the answer is yes, then this day is for you! Participants will learn more about the many vital, high paying jobs in the energy and utility industry. Careers such as line mechanic, meter technician, electrical engineer, and natural gas mechanic will be discussed. Equipment and tools used in the industry will be available to give participants the opportunity to “try their hand” at performing basic line worker tasks. Held on February 21, 2024, 9:00 - 11:30 am. Cap of 25.
Students with an interest in driving, maintenance technicians and safety can visit our terminal in Homestead, IA. Discussions with mechanics, shop foreman, and safety professionals will be included, along with a tour of the facility, as well as time to explore the inside cab of a truck and trailer. Cap of 10.
Are you looking for a career where you can be out and about, not tied to an office? Do you like to be hands-on? Are you looking for a career where you can gain on the job training? Discover what it means to have a career as a heavy equipment mechanic, a fabricator (welder), a drilling service provider (for water wells) and a pump service provider. Observe a drill rig and a pump rig in action. Plus, learn about wells, aquifers and the importance of groundwater preservation. This is a full day experience from am-3p.m., multiple job sites may be visited as part of the shadow.
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If you have already started applying, you may simply continue your existing application.