WORKFORCE PROGRAMS
Business Education Network
The Business Education Network (BEN) is a partnership of businesses in the manufacturing and trades industry and Waconia Public Schools that work to provide real-world and hands-on learning experiences relevant to the manufacturing and trades industry. Goals:
- Program Development Growth– To assist Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming and to build teacher awareness of new developments in the CTE industry.
- Develop Skills and Build Future Workforce – To guide in determining skills needed for jobs at entre, technical, and professional levels so that the skills may be included in the instructional program.
- Experience Real World, Hands-On Learning – to share industry internships, partnerships, and work experience options available for students.
Grow Minnesota!
Driving economic growth by connecting your business to Minnesota Resources.
Waconia Works Signing Day
An opportunity to recognize and celebrate Waconia High School seniors for their decision to enter the workforce post-graduation with a local company in the area of manufacturing or trades; and to highlight the local businesses that provide those opportunities. Hosted by the Waconia Chamber’s Business Education Network-Manufacturing and Trades.
Business Education Network Pillars of Work:
1. Program Development – To assist in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, and to build teacher awareness of new developments in the CTE industry.
2. Skills – To guide in determining skills needed for particular jobs at entry, technical, and professional levels so that the skills may be included in the instructional program.
3. Real world, Hands-on Learning Experience – To share industry partnerships, apprenticeships, and work experience options for students.
Experience The Trades
OPENING DOORS TO OPPORTUNITY AT EXPERIENCE THE TRADES
Waconia has undoubtedly changed throughout the years; schools have been built, new families have moved in, and businesses now fill the space where grass once grew, but one thing that’s remained the same is Waconia’s unwavering commitment to, and support of, the community, especially its youth. We see it in the fundraisers, in the championing of quality education and it’s readily apparent in the multitude of local gatherings that aim to bring people together and cultivate a sense of belonging. So, four years ago when the opportunity presented itself to connect curious young people with successful local industry partners, and Waconia rose to the occasion… well… nobody was surprised.
Teacher in the Workplace
A program to connect educators with local business leaders and employers, by bridging the gap between the classroom and industry. From this program, teachers learn the skills and industry requirements to provide their students with a real-world, hands-on, and relevant learning experience. This program assists in economic development and future workforce and gives students, parents, and teachers exposure to the good jobs available in the Waconia area.
Career Exploration Fair
Exploring Careers through Student and Professional Engagement
Students interact with professionals from different businesses and nonprofits to learn about local careers, work environments, skill sets, earning potential, and training needed for future employment. WHS students, grades 9-12, explore careers to align courses and other partnership opportunities that match their interests.
