Teri Vos has been named director of a new work-based learning program funded by a grant from Future Ready Iowa. Vos will oversee all aspects of the work-based learning program, a collaborative community project in Pella. Vos says the program’s goals include creation, implementation and promotion of a strong work-based student experience. Vos will collaborate with regional partners to identify new and emerging training opportunities that align with industry workforce needs. As director, she will act as the liaison between apprentices/students, employers, parents, various schools, career academies and program partners to facilitate a high-quality, work-based learning experience.

“I plan to be a readily accessible resource for any student who wants an opportunity to earn college credit and valuable income while gaining important, employable expertise and life skills,” Vos says. “Very few services or products work for all people the same way. Education and pathways to employment are no different. I want to see Iowans find successful employment and career growth through whatever process best suits them, even when it takes a nontraditional path to get there.”

Partners in the project include Central College, Pella Area Community and Economic (PACE) Alliance, Pella Corporation, Precision Inc., Vermeer Corporation, Pella and surrounding schools, Career Academy of Pella and Des Moines Area Community College. Vos has worked in the community of Pella for nearly 30 years, spending 22 at Vermeer Corporation in communications, public relations and student engagement. Her expertise includes outreach and community relations. She helped develop the Governor’s Apprenticeship Playbook and serves on many local and regional boards, including Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and Central Iowa Workforce Development.

The new work-based learning program is not exclusive to any type of student, educational institution or specific type of employer.