Bridges Career Academies and Workplace Connection | Helping high school students explore local career opportunities

Testimonials

Job Shadows allow you to learn more about interesting careers.

Ted Abear

My job shadows proved to be life changing. I didn’t waste any times and money enrolling in college classes that didn’t match my career interests. Instead, I had a better understanding on which classes to enroll in and gained greater knowledge on which college majors would fit best with my career aspirations.

Katy Gottsch

I thought I wanted to be an occupational therapist, but when I participated in a job shadow, I learned that I didn’t think this was the job for me. Then, I had a chance to go on another job shadow and found my future career — as a graphic designer.

Ellen Klingner

Seeing first-hand what architects and engineers do was incredible. I had no idea how complex and exciting their jobs could be. Although I'm not studying to pursue either of these careers, job shadowing made me realize how important math was to a future in any science-related field.

Career Exploration Day

Next event: March 2014

The Bridges annual Career Exploration Day event showcases more than 150 regional high-demand careers with hands-on demonstrations, simulators and breakout sessions. Next year's event will be held Central Lakes College's Brainerd campus in March, 2014. Find out more >

Speakers in the Classroom

Industry spotlight: Manufacturing

Click to watch! Learn more about these high-demand, high-paying jobs. Listen to a former CLC student and a local CEO about the opportunities in this growing industry. View more local career options

Partners

The Bridges Career Academies & Workplace Connection is coordinated and supported by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and it’s Education Association, and Central Lakes College, in partnership with participating school districts, on behalf of our future workforce, in grades 9-12. Funding is provided in part by the following funding organizations: Blandin Foundation, Brainerd Area Rotary Club, Brainerd Area Sertoma Club, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, Central Lakes Carl Perkins Consortium Funding, Crow Wing Power, Initiative Foundation, MicroNet/ChamberMaster, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, National Joint Powers Alliance, Otto Bremer Foundation and the Region Five Development Commission.