“We are thrilled to be able to offer additional opportunities to our students in the areas of work-based learning through our SEAL programs,” said Lori Heuer, talent development director at Whitley County Consolidated Schools. “By working together with our business and community partners we are able to provide students with real-world experiences to help students explore and prepare for different careers.”

In an Oct. 14 ceremony recognizing Columbia City SEAL certification, Matt Presley, regional director in the OWBLA, said: “Columbia City continues to be very intentional in the development and engagement of employer partnerships. As a result, students across multiple pathways now have tremendous opportunities to participate in meaningful work-based learning experiences that not only strengthen and enhance their education but also help build and sharpen both the employability and technical skills necessary to be successful upon graduation.”

A breakdown of each SEAL program:

• Advanced Manufacturing – Four credentials including Manufacturing Skill Standards Council training, 15 Ivy Tech credits, and more than 1,000 hours related instruction and on-the-job training.
• Welding – Four credentials, 21 credits and a certificate of Structural Welding from Ivy Tech, and over 900 hours of related instruction and on-the-job training.
• Fire and Rescue – Eight industry credentials, 15 Ivy Tech credits, and live firefighter training.
• Health Science (CNA) – Two industry-recognized credentials (CNA I and CNA II), 8 Ivy Tech credits, and internship/employment opportunities with Parkview Hospital and Miller’s at Oak Pointe
• Education Professions – Two certifications, 8 Ivy Tech credits, and students interning and working in Whitley County Consolidated Schools and preschools.
• Emergency Medical Services – EMT basic certification, 10 Ivy Tech credits, and student employment at age 18.

Jake Revere, director at Miller’s at Oak Pointe, said of its partnership with Columbia City’s health science program: “With similar core values, we have been able to connect a common passion shared by students to the opportunities offered here. We are excited to see students grow into finding a starting block for a career in health care and appreciate CCHS offering the opportunity to partner with them.”   

SEALs are Indiana’s state-level apprenticeship-type programs. They are designed to deliver work and learn experience for participants along with the skills and certifications that employers value. SEAL programs are geared toward both adult and youth populations, and they satisfy Indiana’s new graduation pathway requirements.

The OWBLA works with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, education providers, employers, community and labor organizations, and Regional Workforce Development Boards to develop programs across Indiana. For more information about SEALs, please visit www.INwbl.com or contact the Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship at WBL@dwd.IN.gov.