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Bettendorf students spotlighted for paid welding apprenticeships with John Deere
Summary
At its Nov. 13 meeting, the Bettendorf Community School District introduced two high‑school welding apprentices who split their school day between class and paid on‑the‑job training at John Deere; district staff described the selection and pay structure.
Two Bettendorf High School students told the school board on Nov. 13 that paid welding apprenticeships with John Deere have given them classroom and workplace experience while they complete required hours toward certification.
"I took Welding 1 my freshman year and I just kinda fell in love with it," student Jaden said. "I like welding. I like the art of it." He described the program's staged pay: "starting at 15, going to 16, and then 17" as students advance through defined phases.
Another student, Aiden, said he began welding during his sophomore year and worked with a counselor and district programs to pursue certification and an interview with Deere. District staff said instructor Mr. Milburn and high‑school teachers identify qualified candidates and Deere conducts interviews at participating schools. A district speaker said Deere described the most recent round as "our best round of interviews."
Board members and staff emphasized that apprentices spend roughly half the school day in class and the other half on the job during the program; students typically began work in the summer between their junior and senior years and continue until they complete required apprenticeship hours. The district did not specify the total required hours in the transcript.
The board praised the students and the employer partnership; district staff said the program is part of broader career and technical education offerings but did not provide a full inventory of related programs or long‑term placement rates.
The students and staff did not announce a formal vote or policy change; board members instead used this portion of the meeting to recognize National Apprenticeship Week and allow the apprentices to answer questions from the board.
