Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Work-based learning (WBL) connects classroom learning to real-world work experiences, helping students build industry skills, earn credentials, and explore careers through opportunities like internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing. View the opportunities Southeast Polk (SEP) has to offer, including the requirements to register for an apprenticeship, the application process, and more opportunities for each industry.
Industrial Technology
Regardless of the industry or type of apprenticeship, each student must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible to register for an apprenticeship:
- 16 years of age or older
- Junior or senior standing
- Must have their own transportation
- Must be a registered SEP high school student
- GPA and attendance will be considered
- Must be hired by our business partner
- Fill out the application form (these positions are competitive, so please be thorough with your application).
- You will be notified that your application was received. Please note: we can only place students when business partners have openings.
- You will be notified when a business has an opening and is accepting interviews. Based on your application, our business partners will decide who they want to interview.
- Our business partner will select who they would like to hire as an apprentice. If hired, you will need to complete the following forms:
- Permission Form
- RAPIDS Form
- We will support you throughout the completion of your apprenticeship. After successfully completing the program, you will receive your certificate of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor.
In each of the following apprenticeships, students will earn while they learn. Each apprenticeship is offered in partnership with external businesses and the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. Apprentices will take courses at their school in addition to potential online courses through our business partners to gain job-related education.
Diesel Mechanic
SEP High School has partnered with Trivista Companies, BrownLease, Metro East, and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship to sponsor our registered diesel mechanic apprenticeship program. Apprentices will take courses at their school, as well as online Trivista courses, to gain job-related education. Students will be employed part-time by Trivista or BrownLease.
Students must have taken or enrolled in the following SEP courses:
- Auto I
- Auto II
- Complete SP2 training
- Navistar – LMS (With Business Partner)
- Cummins – LMS (With Business Partner)
Program Highlights
- Three-year program
- Students can begin their junior year
- 379.5 hours of curriculum work
- $20/hour during year 1 of program
- $22/hour during year 2 of program
- $24/hour during year 3 of program
- No cost to the student
Numeric Control Machine Operator
SEP High School has partnered with Dee Zee and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship to sponsor our registered numerical control machine operator program. Students will be employed part-time by Dee Zee and will need to have room in their schedules for study hall release.
Students must have taken or enrolled in the following SEP courses:
- Geometry
- Drafting I
- Advanced Metalworking Processes
Program Highlights
- Two-year program
- Students can begin their junior year
- 337.5 hours of curriculum work
- $17/hour during year 1 of program
- $18/hour during year 2 of program
- No cost to the student
Welder, Combination
SEP High School has partnered with Vermeer and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship to sponsor our registered welder, combination apprenticeship program. Students will be employed part-time by John Deere and will need to have room in their schedules for study hall release.
Students must have taken or enrolled in the following SEP courses:
- Geometry
- CAD Drafting I
- Welding Processes
- Advanced Welding Processes
Program Highlights
- Two-year program
- Students can begin their senior year
- 337.5 hours of curriculum work
- $23.69/hour at completion of year 1
- No cost to the student
Auto Technician
SEP High School has partnered with Lithia Motors and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship to sponsor our registered automotive tech program. Students will be employed part-time by Smith Automotive and will need to have room in their schedules for study hall release.
Students must have taken or enrolled in the following SEP courses:
- Auto I
- Auto II
Program Highlights
- One-year program
- Students can begin their junior year
- 145 hours of curriculum work
- $17/hour
- No cost to the student
Electronic Life Safety and Security Technician
SEP High School has partnered with American Alarms and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship to sponsor our registered electronic life safety and security technician program. Students will be employed part-time by American Alarms and will need to have room in their schedules for study hall release.
Students must have taken or enrolled in the following SEP courses:
- Electronics/Residential Wiring
Program Highlights
- One-year program
- Students can begin their junior year
- 151 hours of curriculum work
- $17/hour
- No cost to the student
- Construction Tech-1A: CON 336
- Construction Tech-1B: CON 337
- Construction Tech-2: CON 333
- Exploration Education Experience
- Foundations of Education: EDU 210 – requires application and background check
- Teaching Internship: EDU 218 – requires application and background check
- Education Portfolio: SDV 164 – requires application and background check
- Basic Nurse Aide: HSC 172 – requires application and background check
- RISE: SDV 164 – requires application
- RISE: SDV 212 – requires application
- RISE: SDV 222 – requires application
- RISE: SDV 223 – requires application
- Occupational Exp-1: WBL 200
- Occupational Exp-2
- EBCE – 1
- EBCE – 2
| Credential | Course |
| OSHA 10 (Construction) | Construction Technology |
| Iowa Seal of Biliteracy | Foreign Language |
| Precision Measurement | Industrial Technology |
| Youth Quality Assurance Program | Animal Science |
| Beef Quality Assurance | Advanced Animal Science |
| OSHA Ariel Scissor Lift | Construction Technology, HVAC & Plumbing |
| SP/2 | Auto I, Auto II |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | Nurse Aide |
| Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success | Personal Finance |
| Microsoft Office Specialist Certification – PowerPoint | Advanced Computer Business Applications |
| Microsoft Office Specialist Certification – Word | Advanced Computer Business Applications |
| Microsoft Office Specialist Certification – Excel | Advanced Computer Business Applications |
| Essentials Child Care Preservice | Child Development |
SEP Carpenters Pre-Apprenticeship Program
[Applicable Logos/Images]
This program is in cooperation with the Carpenters 106 Training Center in Altoona.
SEP Courses
Required:
- Construction Technology
Suggested:
- Exploring Math in the Trades
- Woods I
- Woods II
- CAD Drafting
Benefits
- Direct entry to the Carpenters 106 after graduation
- Support with job placement from the Carpenters 106
- Make direct connections with the Carpenters 106 staff
- Earn industry-recognized certificates: OSHA 10 Certification and Scissor Lift
- Advanced credit with the Carpenters 106
SEP Electricians Pre-Apprenticeship Program
[Applicable Logos/Images]
This program is in cooperation with the Des Moines electrical apprenticeship program.
SEP Courses
Required:
- Electronics/Residential Wiring
Suggested:
- Algebra I
- Exploring Math in the Trades
- CAD Drafting
Benefits
- Advanced credit with the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship Program
- Help with job placement as a CW
SEP HVAC/Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Program
[Applicable Logos/Images]
This program is in cooperation with Iowa Pipe Trades & HVAC.
SEP Courses
Required:
- Plumbing & HVAC
- Advanced Welding
- CAD Drafting
Suggested:
- Welding Processes
- Exploring Math in the Trades
- Electronics/Residential Wiring
Benefits
- Advanced credit given
SEP Sheet Metal Workers Pre-Apprenticeship Program
[Applicable Logos/Images]
This program is in cooperation with Central Iowa’s Local 45.
SEP Courses
Required:
- Advanced Metals
- Advanced Welding
- CAD Drafting
Suggested:
- Welding Processes
- Exploring Math in the Trades
Benefits
- Advanced credit given
Introduction to Apprenticeship
Contact Us
For questions or additional information about any of these work-based learning opportunities, please reach out to Darell Butcher, SEP’s College & Career Readiness Coordinator.
Phone: (515) 967-1805 | Email: darell.butcher@southeastpolk.org