Career Discovery Events

Get ready for an exciting year! Our DMACC Career Discovery Events are designed to spark your curiosity and connect you with real-world opportunities.

From hands-on worksite industry tours to interactive career exploration days and professional skills workshops, high school students will dive into the world of work and discover what inspires them. Whether you're dreaming big or still figuring it out, our goal is to help you explore career paths by teaming up with local businesses and industry leaders. Check out the calendar below and start your journey today!

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Career Exploration Days

These events allow high school students, parents and educators to explore a career pathway by attending hands-on activity sessions and demonstrations. Connect to future careers, meet with professionals and learn about DMACC programs! Transportation is the student’s responsibility.

Date: September 25, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m.– 1:30 p.m.

Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building 13

Description: Participants will explore careers in Diesel, Automotive, and Auto Collision. Students will tour the DMACC Auto/Diesel Labs and talk to industry members through 5 interactive sessions

Registration Link: DMACC Explore Auto/Diesel Day Fall 2026 

Capacity: 190

Event Contact: Taylor Reth: tmreth@dmacc.edu

Date: Friday, October 9, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building 5

Description: Participants will explore careers in manufacturing or engineering. Students will tour the DMACC manufacturing or engineering labs and talk to industry members through 5 interactive sessions. Students will choose to attend the manufacturing sessions (Tool & Die, Advanced Manufacturing, Computer Aided Design, and Welding) or the engineering sessions (Engineering transfer, Robotics & Controls Systems Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, and Industrial Technology). All students will get to explore the industry fair. 

Registration Link: DMACC Discover Manufacturing and Engineering Day Fall 2026

Capacity: 200

Event Contact: Taylor Reth: tmreth@dmacc.edu

Date: October 20, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building 13

Description: The purpose of this contest is to encourage any students interested in auto mechanics to thoroughly study and understand basic automotive principles and to learn the technical skills required of professional technicians working in the automotive service and repair industry.  We also hope you can use this contest as a tool to prepare your students for the upcoming Skills USA Skills contests later this school year. In addition, we want you and your students to be aware of the excellent automotive training programs at DMACC, so your students will have an option on where they can continue their training after graduation. This portion of the contest consists of an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - type exam covering the basics of each of the eight areas on the automobile as defined by ASE. All freshmen through seniors are encouraged to participate in this segment.

Registration Link: 2026 High School Automotive Skills Contest Registration Form (will open August 31, 2026)

Capacity: No Limit

Event Contact: Taylor Reth: tmreth@dmacc.edu

Date: November 13, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building 5

Description: Participants will explore careers in Electrical Utility, Electrical Trades, HVAC-R, and Construction. Students will tour the DMACC Trades Labs and talk to industry members through five interactive sessions

Registration Link: Discover DMACC Trades Day Fall 2026 

Event Contact: Taylor Reth: tmreth@dmacc.edu

Professional Skills Workshop

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Description: Ready to Land Your First Job? Do you want to sharpen your interview skills and boost your confidence? Are you truly “workplace ready”? This is your opportunity to connect with industry professionals, polish your workplace skills, expand your network, and practice interview techniques. With over 30 professionals on hand to guide and support you, this workshop is designed to prepare you for a successful future. Highlights of the event include:

  • Professional Skills Sessions: Helping you develop critical workplace skills.
  • Mock Interviews: With industry professionals who will provide valuable feedback.
  • Networking Opportunities: For you to meet and connect with peers.

Location:
DMACC Ankeny Campus, Building 5 Map
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023

Registration Link: Interested in participating? Reach out to Emily Willett at ehwillett@dmacc.edu to learn more and check availability.

Group Job Shadow / Worksite Industry Tours

These events are hosted by a business and are open to 11th and 12th grade students. Students will meet with professionals to learn about the business and specific careers. These events are for students only and transportation is the student’s responsibility. *Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students from your class please email wbl@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Date: September 29, 2026
 
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Description: Visit the Polk County Courthouse and observe a trial in session.  Students will also hear from professionals in a variety of legal fields, including District Court Judge, Judicial Specialists – Court Room Support, Court Specialists – Case Coordinators, Law Clerks and the Supervisor and Clerk from the Polk County Clerk’s Office.  This is a great day for any students interested in Court Reporting, Paralegal, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or Pre-law/Law School.

Location:
Polk County Criminal Courts Building
110 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

Registration Link: Explore the Justice System at the Polk County Courthouse

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026

Time: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Description: Join Iowa's largest energy company, MidAmerican Energy, for a behind-the-scenes look at how we power communities across the state. Learn about our electrical transmission and distribution system, explore career opportunities in energy, and get an exclusive glimpse into our control room. You'll also hear from professionals in cybersecurity, IT, and engineering as they share insights into their careers and advice for entering these exciting fields.

Location:
3500 104th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
(One-way parking lot)

Registration Link: Explore Careers in Cybersecurity & IT at Mid-American

Capacity:  15 Students

**Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 3 students from your class, please email Emily Willett at ehwillett@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Description: Explore the future of manufacturing and automation at Ramco Innovations, Powered by Sukup.  With over 60 years of experience, Ramco specializes in providing high-tech solutions to overcome complex automation challenges to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity in modern manufacturing.  During this visit, you’ll explore Robotics and Engineering. See the collaborative robot (cobot) in action, get hands-on with manufacturing tools and techniques guided by our experts, and check-out innovative projects from Synk.

Sukup, an Iowa-based manufacturer of grain bins and innovative agricultural products, is dedicated to enhancing productivity, equipment lifespan, and grain quality through advanced technology. Synk provides on-site automation solutions for the agricultural industry.  Join us to learn more about Ramco Innovations, Powered by Sukup, and the exciting world of manufacturing and STEM careers!  Lunch will be provided.  

Location: 
Ramco Innovations
1207 Maple St.
West Des Moines, IA 50265

Registration Link: Explore STEM and Manufacturing at RAMCO Innovations

Capacity:  30 students.

*Due to capacity constraints, if you are interested in registering more than 5 students, please email Kari Hansen at kahansen16@dmacc.edu to confirm availability.

Date: Friday, November 6, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Description: Come join us and experience hands on activities and tours with different departments at Mary Greeley in Ames! There are many different types of careers in the healthcare industry, both patient and non-patient facing that make up an organization. During this event, you will hear from employees about Mary Greeley, what they have to offer, and job opportunities for high school students. This event is designed for 10th-12th grade students interested in healthcare careers.
 
Please note:
Mary Greeley requires a “Participation and Media Release Form” to be signed by both the student and guardian. Once registered, the form will be sent to the email provided on the registration form. Please bring the signed form with you at check-in.

*Lunch will be provided!
 
Location: 
Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

*Educators: Due to capacity constraints, if you are registering more than 5 students, please email Lisa Morlock at lamorlock@dmacc.edu to check availability.

Registration Link: Healthcare Career Day at Mary Greeley Medical Center-Ames

Business Community

If you are interested in collaborating with us and want to learn more about how to get involved, we always need more business connections! Please email wbl@dmacc.edu.

How to Reach Us

Please contact us at wbl@dmacc.edu with any questions or concerns.