Workplace Learning Connection

Throwback!

Last spring, WLC internship coordinator Ann Brendes placed seven students from Prairie High School’s Agriculture Program in 90-hour internship experiences with local businesses, giving them valuable real-world industry skills and career experience.

In May, students showcased the culmination of their work by presenting their capstone projects to industry partners, administrators, staff, parents, and peers.

This impactful learning opportunity highlights the strong partnership between Prairie High School, Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection, and the dedicated local internship hosts who invested their time and mentorship into student success. Through these experiences, students developed professional skills, explored agricultural career pathways, and strengthened connections within the community.

College Community School District Croell, Inc. Altorfer Cat Star Food Service Equipment & Repair Miracles In Motion Therapeutic Equestrian Ctr. Prairie Patch Farm Linn Co-op Oil Company Global Ties Iowa

"My favorite part about my WLC internship with ChildServe this summer was building strong relationships with my host and the patients. My important takeaway is that communication skills and motivation are the most important qualities for a speech therapist. I am thankful for the opportunity I had." - Chloe Halterman, Liberty High School - Speech Therapy Intern at ChildServe - Coralville

Iowa City Community School District

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 business 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 of our first-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.

📅Mark your calendars!

WLC is excited to co-host the Fall 2026 Own Your Future event on Thursday, October 8th, 5:30–8:00 PM at Marion High School.

Students get the opportunity to:
🔎 Explore post-secondary education and career opportunities
🎤 Hear from career professionals
👀 Attend information sessions on College & Career Planning, Scholarships, Kirkwood Career Academies, and more
🤝 Connect with colleges, apprenticeship programs, and military branches

This future-focused event is FREE and open to all Linn County high school students. This is your chance to start planning what’s next—don’t miss it!

Register to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo2rEuvZu3FfqoILmPDoJHC7QTFAVrIM_KmE2Ig5SQXwWigg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103470587973342844684

Student registration will close on October 1st.

Marion High School Cedar Rapids Community School District Alburnett Community Schools Xavier High School Cedar Valley Christian School Center Point-Urbana Schools Central City Community School College Community School District Linn-Mar Community Schools Kirkwood Linn Regional Center Lisbon Lions Mount Vernon Community School District Marion Home School Assistance Program Linn Community School District Springville CSD

WLC's job shadow application portal is open for ONE MORE WEEK for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Check out the Top 10 Reasons YOU should sign up for a job shadow TODAY!

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

WLC Partner Spotlight - Tipton Ambulance Service

This year, Tipton Ambulance Service hosted two student interns, providing hands-on experiences that helped students gain valuable insight into careers in emergency medical services. In addition to serving as an internship host, Tipton Ambulance Service has been a regular participant in our career fairs and mock interview events, generously sharing their expertise and helping students explore opportunities in EMS and healthcare.

“Working with Workplace Learning Connection has been an incredibly positive experience for our organization. It has provided us with another avenue to give back to the community, foster new relationships, and help create bridges to future generations who are excited and passionate about helping others and entering this field. These opportunities allow students to gain exposure to EMS and healthcare in a meaningful way, while also allowing our team to share knowledge, mentorship, and real-world experiences. Seeing students engaged, curious, and motivated to learn has been extremely rewarding for our staff, and we appreciate the partnership WLC has created between education and the workforce.” – Brad Ratliff, Director of Emergency Medical Services – City of Tipton

99% of job shadow students surveyed last year said they would recommend a WLC job shadow experience to another high school student.

Don't miss out. Apply for a job shadow today: www.kirkwood.edu/wlc

In honor of the first Iowa football game tomorrow, throwing it back to this summer when Herky cheered on a few of our NewBoCo interns. 🏈

"I am so grateful for this WLC internship at NewBoCo because it gave me more of an idea of the path I would like to pursue after high school. Expanding my knowledge of entrepreneurship and business are things that I'm looking forward to in the future. This internship truly inspired me to keep learning, take initiative, and pursue my goals with confidence." Aaron Hamm, student - Linn-Mar High School

Linn-Mar Community Schools

Celebrating Ledford Engineering! 🎉

For the past three summers, Ledford Engineering has opened its doors to WLC interns, helping students gain valuable hands-on experience and a closer look at careers in mechanical engineering.

This summer, they hosted four WLC interns!

We are incredibly grateful for Ledford Engineering’s continued investment in students and their commitment to helping build the next generation of our workforce. Thank you for being such an important part of this career pathway! 👏

Linn-Mar Community Schools