New partnership will bring apprentice opportunities to Waterloo students

As part of a multi-pronged effort to attract and train new employees, Western Home Communities became a Partner in Education with the Waterloo Career Center at a signing event on June 9.

Through this partnership, Western Home Communities will be working with the WCC to create student apprenticeships where students can work within Western Home Communities as registered apprenticeship-certified nursing assistants (CNAs.) In addition to the CNA apprenticeships, WCC culinary students will be able to apply for paid internships in Western Home Communities’ culinary and hospitality departments as well.

"This is a win-win partnership since we'll be able to expose more students to the opportunities available in senior living, which is a growing field due to high demand,” said CEO Kris Hansen. “From the outset, we can help further their training by introducing them to high standards of care and providing jobs with a respected employer.”

Fourth from left, Waterloo Schools Superintendent Jared Smith stands next to CEO Kris Hansen, Chief Operating Officer Darrell McCormick and President of Cedar Falls operations Jerry Harris at the signing, along with other school representatives.