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Career Services...
Partnering with Workplace Learning Connection to Support Workforce Development
For the last 23 years, Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) has been working to connect students and educators with local businesses and organizations in an effort to develop Iowa’s future workforce through relevant, quality work-based learning experiences. WLC work-based learning services inform, prepare, and better align local students to local careers.
Engaging in WLC job shadow, internship, and career event opportunities is a great way for businesses to address their current and future workforce needs. By providing job shadow and internship opportunities, businesses can develop relationships with potential future employees, creating a funnel for more qualified candidates down the road. In addition, in the short term, hosting an intern provides businesses the opportunity to bring in an extra set of hands, new ideas, and a student eager to help with projects. Supporting work-based learning gives your business the chance to increase student awareness of career opportunities within your business or industry sector.
“I’m committed to career exploration as a tool in workforce development because when we bring students, industry, and educators together, everyone benefits,” said Kate Robertson, economic development executive director for Benton Development Group. “Providing work-based learning opportunities wouldn't be possible without the partnership with Workplace Learning Connection. We can bring the local community and businesses to the table, but Workplace Learning Connection does the nuts-and-bolts work needed to place a student with a business, providing structure, information about insurance coverage, and a lot more. It’s a great partnership and one I look forward to strengthening. Iowa needs young people contributing to the success of our state, and one of the best ways to make that happen is to acquaint them with the great career choices they have near family, friends, and their home communities.”
By the Numbers
92% of job shadow and internship students said their experience increased their awareness of local career opportunities
An average of 75% of job shadow and internship students said their experience positively influenced their decision to live and work in Iowa
38% of the school year 2020 – ‘21 interns were offered additional opportunities or employment by their business host post internship. A 31% increase over the prior year!
Businesses and industries across the state are struggling with workforce issues. Hosting internships and job shadows through Workplace Learning Connection is another vital and viable way to help address these workforce issues, providing both long- and short-term benefits.
WLC makes it easy to get involved in work-based learning and there are many ways to engage. To learn more about how you can help students discover their passions while developing your future workforce, please visit www.kirkwood.edu/wlc/volunteer.  |  |  |
Student Services - We are here for Y-O-U...
PHS Counselors @PHawkCounseling
Events and Information
- Check our Calendar/Website for zoom links, ways to sign up for events & more information.
- Volunteer Cord Process
Testing Information
Second Semester Kirkwood Courses
If you are interested in taking second semester Kirkwood courses, either at Kirkwood or online, you can begin signing up now. If you are comfortable signing up in Dual Enroll on your own (kirkwood.dualenroll.com) you do not need to stop in unless you have questions.
*This does not apply to courses located at Prairie High School or the Linn County Regional Center. Registration for those courses will happen within the course when it begins.
ICAN Support
- ICAN Financial Aid Resources (FAFSA)
- Call ICAN 877-272-4692 or visit www.icansucceed.org/apt to set up in person or virtual appointment
Student Planning Guides
GT Corner...
Students, make sure to get those Scholastic Arts and Writing Award entries and submission forms turned in before December 8th! We have several GT Mentorship opportunities at elementary buildings, please let me know your interest and availability.
GT Parents, we have our upcoming ACGE meeting, please consider joining us on December 9th. Please RSVP using this link. Hope to see you there!
Mrs. Erin Hoffman
Senior Photos...
A high resolution jpg or png file (oriented vertically) should be sent along with a senior quote to yearbook@crprairie.org.
Questions about senior photos should be directed to Rachel Bennett at rachelbennett@crprairie.org. If you would like to set up a FREE senior photo session with a PHS photography student, please contact Mr. DuPont at cdupont@crprairie.org.
