EHOVE Career Center logo with WORK BASED LEARNING Spotlight header and spotlights on the letters

EHOVE's work-based learning allows high school students to gain essential on-the-job skills and knowledge through industry professionals in real-world settings.

We're highlighting four more of the success stories of the 91 students who completed this year's Summer JumpStart, a unique opportunity to work in their career fields between their junior and senior year. Each February, juniors are provided with everything they need to know about participating in Summer JumpStart, a kickoff to work-based learning in the summer before senior year. This unique opportunity gives students a head start in their career fields and allows them to earn industry-recognized credentials and gain real-world experience.

Students can acquire industry-recognized credentials, gain work experience, and even earn a paycheck. From employment assistance and internships to pre-apprenticeship training and job shadow opportunities, work-based learning offers a variety of options for students to explore their career interests.

Students can request assistance in finding a job in their career field for the program, or submit one they found on their own for approval. 

Those who complete the program are eligible to continue working in their career field during the school day at the beginning of the school year, which is earlier than other students become eligible.

OCTOBER 2027

medical student holding stethoscope

Brenna Hess, Medical Careers, New London HS Class of 2027

  • Work Based Learning Experience: The Willows at Willard, Certified Resident Care Assistant

  • Favorite Part of the Job: “Building a fun relationship with the residents.”

  • On Getting Real-World Skills Now: “This gives me a foot in the door for working in healthcare, and learning all the different opportunities that I can explore.”

  • Fun Fact: Has a puppy named Moose!

  • From Brenna’s Supervisor: "Brenna has been a great addition to our team. Residents really like her."

    - Courtney Hughs, Director of Health Services

standing student with equipment and gear

Logan Simon, HVAC Tech, Bellevue HS Class of 2027

  • Work Based Learning Experience: Black Swamp Heating and Cooling, Apprentice HVAC Tech

  • Favorite Part of the Job: “Helping people have heating and cooling again so they can be

  • comfortable in their homes.”

  • On Getting Real-World Skills Now: “I think its an amazing opportunity and I feel blessed to be able to be a part of something that will help me become someone successful.”

  • On the EHOVE Experience: “My lab helped me get an idea for a lot of what I see in the field. EHOVE is an option that can help benefit your future at a young age.”

standing student near her hair styling workstation

Sydney Ruffing, Cosmetology, Bellevue HS Class of 2027

  • Work Based Learning Experience: G.S. Salon & Boutique, Cosmetology Intern

  • On Getting Real-World Skills: Enjoys seeing different techniques in the salon environment where she says she learns a lot of new things.

  • EHOVE’s Impact: “EHOVE allows you to have a jump start on your career. It also allows you to make new connections.“

  • From Sydney’s Supervisor: "Goes above and beyond! Extra mile. Works hard. Lends a helping hand." - Gabby Nasonti, Owner

student standing behind semi truck cab

Robert Nickoli, Diesel Tech, Monroeville Class of 2027

  • Work Based Learning Experience: Great Lakes Truck Center, Detailer/Porter/Apprentice

  • Favorite Part of the Job: “Getting to see all the different vehicles and different vehicle colors.”

  • On Getting Real-World Skills: “It really helps you get a job right out of high school and have more skills.”

  • Why Do You Recommend the Diesel Tech Program? “It’s good because you can learn more about certain models.”

  • Fun Fact: He has been working on motors since he was five!