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Guest column by Kim Nelson

One of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s committees is the Chamber Business Education Collaborative (CBEC). As introduced in August, the committee will be sharing information monthly with readers that will include the career fields in our community, future trends within these industries and information about education, wages and growth in these fields. It is our goal to increase awareness of the amazing career fields and careers right here in our county. We hope to educate the readers on what types of skills and education is needed for those career types in hopes of helping local employers fill vacant positions and strengthening our local workforce.

This month we would like to highlight an opportunity coming to Albert Lea this summer. Riverland Community College, along with Workforce Development Inc., are organizing a “Career Exploration Camp.” The camp will be held Monday, June 9, through Thursday, June 12. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include lunch for all attendees. This camp will offer hands-on experiential activities in advanced manufacturing, agriculture and transportation. Participants will have the opportunity to build their own robot, engage in agricultural activities and explore transportation through simulation and interactive experiences.

This camp will be held on Riverland’s Albert Lea campus for students who have completed 9-11 grade. Camp attendees will receive $200 if they attend all four days of the camp. After the camp is completed, attendees will have the opportunity to do a paid work experience at a local employer making market wages.

If you have additional questions or would like to register, please contact Workforce Development Inc. at 507-821-1010.

Kim Nelson is a member of the Chamber Business Education Collaborative through the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.