Workplace Learning Connection

02/04/2026

👏Thank you Price Electric for being such an amazing partner, and for creating such valuable opportunities for these students.

02/02/2026

This week is National School Counselors Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize our incredible school counselors.

School counselors are on the front lines with students every day—seeing firsthand how work-based learning opportunities strengthen students’ Individual Career and Academic Plans and help them explore what’s possible after graduation.

Thank you, school counselors, for all that you do to support and guide our students! 💙

01/29/2026

01/27/2026

Over the last three years, the Belle Plaine Community School District has implemented a J-Term during the first week of January, following students’ return from winter break. J-Term is a one-week session between semesters that allows students to select classes and learning opportunities outside of their traditional coursework, all based on individual interests and preferences.

WLC internships have been part of the J-Term offerings since the beginning. However, due to the compressed timeline and more intensive attendance schedule, it can be challenging for students to complete required on-site work hours while also participating in the three Career Development Meetings that are part of the internship program. This challenge is further compounded by the fact that many internship sites are located in neighboring communities, adding travel time to students’ already full schedules.

To make the internship opportunity more accessible, WLC recognized the need for a J-Term solution that maintained the quality of the program while offering greater flexibility. The asynchronous format of WBL200 was developed to meet this need.

This new format brings much of the content traditionally delivered during in-person Career Development Meetings to an online platform, allowing students to complete coursework on their own time or while on site at their internship locations. Students engage with videos and online resources curated and created by the WLC team, covering topics such as professionalism, communication skills, goal setting, confidentiality, workplace safety, and personal strengths.

During the pilot session this month, eight students from Belle Plaine High School are participating in the asynchronous course. One of those students, senior Ava Parizek, a previous WLC Internship Program participant, shared her experience with the new format.

“When we began doing J-Term at my school, I knew I was going to try the WLC internship offering when I was able to,” Ava said. “My first year, I did not know what to expect, but I had a great experience at Virginia Gay Hospital. The support from everybody was beyond measure. Although I loved the experience, there were some difficulties.”

Based on Ava’s interest area, she was placed at Virginia Gay Hospital, located approximately 40 miles from Belle Plaine High School. The additional transportation time made it difficult for her to complete all required internship hours while still returning to school for in-person meetings.

“This year, when it was announced that there was a new format we were trying, I was so excited,” Ava shared. “Before I even started meeting with my host, the information on what needed to be done was very understandable and easy to navigate. I really appreciate the new course set up. Last year we had several meetings to turn in paperwork, whereas this year we are able to upload everything online, which is super beneficial. It allows us to spend more time working with our host. Overall, I have had a great experience with this course and would definitely recommend an internship like this to other students.”

Belle Plaine Jr/Sr High Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics

01/23/2026

Thank you Grant Wood AEA for supporting these students through their career exploration journey! We appreciate you.

01/23/2026

“During my STEAM Institute Experience I heard from a Collins Aerospace Engineer; we built towers out of marshmallows and sticks to understand how physics plays a role in building design. My other favorite session was the Architecture, Construction and Engineering session. We built a window into a frame, built a wall, and made an electric circuit to light up a bulb. I really enjoyed the hands-on elements of the event. The experience showed me some jobs I may have interest in and taught me more that I didn't know I liked. Also, it helped me understand more about jobs out there in general.”

01/20/2026

WLC Partner Spotlight

A very special thank you to Viking Maintenance for hosting Tower Technician, Basic Principles, and Troubleshooting Day. They have hosted this day five times for us over the last two years, with another shadow coming up in February. This job shadow has become a student favorite. We are grateful for our partnership and are privileged to collaborate and share this part of the industry.

“It’s always exciting to introduce students to a career path they may not have even known existed. The telecom industry has so much to offer, and helping the next generation explore what’s possible is truly rewarding. We appreciate the partnership and the opportunity to give back!” Peter Hagstrom, Vice President of Procurement - Viking Maintenance

01/19/2026

VINTON — The Workplace Learning Connection Internship Program offered through Kirkwood Community College (KCC) allows area high school students the chance to try out working in various fields. This week,

01/16/2026

Volunteers Needed for Workplace Learning Connection Mock Interviews!

As part of our mock interview event, students take part in a brief 15-minute interview with a local professional. The goal is to help them practice responding to common interview questions, understand professional expectations, and gain confidence in the process. For many students, it’s their very first interview experience!

Interested in becoming a mock interview volunteer?

Check out this link to see a list of all our second-semester mock interview events that still need volunteers: https://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=43804

Don’t see your school or county listed? Drop us a message, and we will ensure that you’re notified about future opportunities in your area.

12/29/2025

One week until our winter/spring job shadow application portal opens, but the list of available shadow opportunities is available to review now!

https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/job-shadows/index

The winter/spring job shadow portal will be open from Jan. 5 - Jan. 21.

12/23/2025