August 2022 Newsletter
Fall 2022 Job Shadow Application Portal is Now Open!
The fall 2022 job shadow application portal is now open. Job shadowing gives students the opportunity to explore careers of interest, network, and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities. Both in-person and virtual opportunities are available.
Check out our broad array of shadow opportunities. There are more than 95 different career exploration days and over 100 specific careers to choose from.
Job shadows are open to students in grades 10 – 12. The fall session portal closes Sept. 23 at 3 p.m. Check with your school counselor for additional details.
Inaugural Teaching for the Workforce Educational Session
This summer, Workplace Learning Connection partnered with Grant Wood AEA, the Regional Planning Partnership, and the Cedar Rapids Community School District to provide a five-day educational session for 21 sixth- through 12th-grade non-CTE teachers and counselors so they could experience today’s workplaces while building an understanding of essential concepts for workplace success. The event, called Teaching for the Workforce, included business tours, presentations, discussions, and panels at business sites throughout the seven-county region, focusing on workforce needs specific to the region and how educational institutions can partner to create a prepared, future-ready workforce.
Throughout the program, participants heard from employers about how diverse the jobs, skill sets, and needs are within our community. They also learned about rewarding jobs for recent high school graduates, apprentices, and college graduates. The big takeaway from the event was that students need exposure to local careers and industries to help them better visualize their futures.
This fall, participants plan to go back to their classrooms with tools to help students navigate career exploration resources, such as Workplace Learning Connection, and with plans to incorporate soft skill development and connections to local industries that can help educators answer the question “when am I ever going to use this?”
For additional resources, visit our Educator Resources page or check out Grant Wood AEA’s Future Ready Resources. Applications for the summer 2023 cohort will be available spring 2023.
This month WLC is recognizing Team Iowa Physical Therapy in our Partner Spotlight. Team Iowa has been a valuable partner for many years helping students explore careers in physical therapy by hosting job shadows, internships, and by participating in mock interviews.
“Team Iowa Physical Therapy is proud to partner with Workplace Learning Connection to host summer interns and provide work-based learning opportunities,” said Jayne Nelson, business manager at Team Iowa Physical Therapy. “Each intern we host creates a connection to our community and schools. As a local small business, it is rewarding to make a positive impact on the lives and futures of our student interns.”
Interested in hosting a student and helping to develop your future workforce? Visit our Partners and Volunteers page to learn more.
