Real World Experiences

Rockwell Collins believes that one of the best ways for students to learn more about career opportunities and the application of their classroom studies is to bring them into the work place. Toward that end, we support a number of programs that bring students onto our campus, to spend time with engineers, technicians and other career professionals.

• Job-shadowing programs in Cedar Rapids are done bi-annually through the Workplace Learning Connection Office. This program allows high school students to spend half a day with an employee in a career of interest. Rockwell Collins traditionally hosts 100 - 200 students during the fall and spring semesters.
• Educator job-shadowing is also offered through the Workplace Learning Connection. Similar to the student job-shadowing program, this experience allows area teachers and educators to spend a day in the workplace and see the real-world application of classroom teaching. Additionally, Rockwell Collins periodically offers Educator at Work events, which bring teachers and other educators into the work place to tour and see various work sites within Rockwell Collins.
• Internship positions are offered to area high school students in their junior and senior year. This 9-week exploratory program, coordinated through the Workplace Learning Connection, allows students to spend ten hours a week in a place of business, learning how business operates and applying classroom learning. Rockwell Collins employees serve as mentors to the students during the program.
• FORCE, or Future Of Rockwell Collins Employment, is a one-year internship opportunity at Rockwell Collins that is designed to give high school seniors a more in-depth experience in the workplace. Students are eligible after completing a 9-week exploratory internship. FORCE allows students the opportunity to work at Rockwell Collins during the school year or during the summer and gain valuable experience in the "real world." Students work in technical and non-technical areas, 16-20 hours per week, and are paid.

Beyond the K-12 arena, Rockwell Collins supports college internships and has an extensive co-operative program with engineering schools. Information on these programs is available from the College Relations department, within Human Resources at Rockwell Collins.