The entire team at Kreg Tool Company takes an active role in work-based learning to prepare students for the jobs available today and ones in the future. The dedicated team at Kreg and their IIN regional coordinator introduce students to engineering, customer service, manufacturing, and distribution, all located at their facilities in central Iowa.

Across the state, regional coordinators strive to cultivate meaningful experiences for students, from job shadows and internships to workplace visits and career days. Every day students get the opportunity to learn more about exciting careers right here in Iowa! Find your coordinator at https://bit.ly/39acejO

With a team of marketing experts, metal fabricators, painters, mechanics welders, and warehouse staff, Zips AW Direct in New Hampton keeps the towing industry going strong across the country. High schoolers learn about opportunities throughout their facilities because of Zip's commitment to local students and their relationship with the Iowa Intermediary Network.

Building strong communities doesn't happen by accident; it requires the commitment of businesses, community leaders, and educators working together. Mercy One in New Hampton takes their responsibility seriously. They are an integral part of the vibrancy of their rural Iowa community. The Iowa Intermediary Network celebrates organizations like Mercy One who reach out to students and help them explore all the opportunities available right here in Iowa.

Work-based learning isn't a single activity. It's a process that allows students to explore many options to find their passion. Mercy One in New Hampton understands the need for students to experience a variety of positions to make informed decisions about their future and how a strong relationship and partnership with their Iowa Intermediary Network coordinator makes that possible.

ATEK produces superior aluminum castings serving demanding industries, including transportation, motorsports, and industrial markets. It is just one of many high-tech facilities located in New Hampton, Iowa. The Iowa Intermediary Network applauds their long-term commitment to work-based learning. That commitment has led this northeast Iowa manufacturer to a talented applicant pool and quality new hires. ATEK understands the benefits of supporting high school programs and work-based learning benefits for themselves and their community.

Worksite Exploratory Events inspire students and allow them to discover careers they may not know are available so close to home. By utilizing their Iowa Intermediary Network coordinator, Afinitas, who fabricates concrete forms that power projects worldwide, can showcase their career opportunities to area students in their home community of New Hampton, Iowa.

Shifting gears on the experience of driving a semi!! (October, 2021) Students at BGM Schools in Brooklyn were able to learn about careers in the trucking industry. They had the unique opportunity to try their skills at driving a tractor-trailer with a semi-truck simulator. The event was a collaboration between Iowa Intermediary Network, Iowa Valley Community College District, the Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA), Manatt’s Inc., and the BGM School District. Students in grades K-12 got a close-up view of not only the semi and the simulator but with a redi-mix and a dump truck. They were able to interact with several Manatt’s team members, along with Gary Handley and Delwin (Del) Van Wyk from IMTA. Coordinating the event for IIN was Terri Hungerford, Iowa Valley Intermediary Coordinator.