High school is usually about figuring out what comes next. For a group of welding students at Crestwood High School, "what comes next" is already waiting for them, complete with college credit and a direct line to a career.
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is launching its first Quality Pre-Apprenticeship (QPA) program at Crestwood High School in Cresco. By bringing advanced, industry-aligned training directly into the high school curriculum, the initiative is designed to give local students a head start on their futures while helping solve a workforce shortage in their own community.
For many high school students, the transition to the real world can feel daunting. The QPA program is designed to dismantle those barriers by serving as a supportive, hands-on bridge into high-demand industrial careers.
Through concurrent enrollment, Crestwood students can earn college credits and certifications from NICC. They are learning the technical skills that modern manufacturers look for, covering topics from blueprint reading to advanced gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and plasma cutting.
People are also reading…
The program goes beyond learning how to lay a weld bead. Students are also paired with a college and career coach who works with them one-on-one, polishing resumes and running through mock interviews so they are work-ready on day one.
"Students gain the skills, confidence, industry credentials and support systems needed to successfully transition into high-demand careers, while businesses benefit from a stronger pipeline of trained, work-ready talent," says Erin Powers Daley, NICC's executive director of workforce and programming initiatives. "When education, industry and community partners work together, we are building a stronger workforce and stronger communities."
The program relies on local partnerships. NICC and Crestwood High School have teamed up with local manufacturing company Featherlite Trailers to give students industry exposure, including on-the-job shadowing.
For Crestwood High School Principal Neal Bentley, this teamwork is what makes the community special. "As a community, the more we lean on each other, the stronger our outcomes will be," Bentley says. "Both NICC and Featherlite have been terrific partners throughout the planning stages. We look forward to what our students will accomplish!"
One of the key features of the new QPA is its flexibility. Once a student completes the program, their path is up to them. They can step into local employment, transition into a formal registered apprenticeship or bring those credits to NICC to complete a welding diploma or degree.
Shannon Westin, director of human resources at Featherlite Trailers, sees the program as a benefit for the region's youth and local economy.
"We have created a pathway that equips high school students with industry-recognized skills, valuable real-world experience and the confidence needed to pursue successful careers," Westin says. "We are proud of the opportunities this program provides and excited to see students contribute to the skilled workforce that our region depends on."
