ARe you considering more than college in your career pathway?
Local Employment Spotlight: One graduate's story
Ben Cole, a recent graduate of Kingsford High School and Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District (DIISD), wasn’t sure what to pursue as a high school senior. The realization that, “I can do anything” can easily and quickly turn into, “how will I ever be able to decide?”
Fortunately, Rebecca Frates, DIISD Graphic Design Instructor and Susan Sturm, DIISD Mechatronics Instructor, shared a Field Service Technician Development Apprenticeship through Lake Shore Systems with Ben. An accepted apprentice through Lake Shore’s program covers the cost for a Mechatronics’ Certificate, and includes a $15 to $18 hourly wage and a full benefits package. After the apprenticeship, Cole has the opportunity to travel around the world with the potential to make up to $90K a year.
“I had no idea that an opportunity like this existed five minutes from my house! In school, the focus is on going to a four year college after high school. I would get asked “What college are you are going to?” instead of “What are you doing after high school?” It is the assumed pathway,” Ben shared.
Area employers expect to add 650 new jobs over the next three to five years, while Dickinson County’s unemployment rate rests at 3.8% which is seventeenth lowest out of 83 Michigan counties. Plus, in 2017, Dickinson County had 2,629 manufacturing jobs equal to 20% of the workforce compared to the State average is 13-14%, per the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“I struggled greatly with trying to decide which four-year college degree to take, and I couldn’t reach a decision by the end of high school,” said Ben. He was very impressed with Lake Shore’s values. The company has been designing and building robust, heavy equipment for the maritime and mining industries in the USA for 160 years. Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, innovative equipment and solutions to their global maritime and mining customers.
“They made sure that not only I, but also my parents understood that I would be given the time, resources and education needed before going into the field.” Ben will begin classes at Bay College – West Campus this fall.
Employers value students who have on-the-job work experience under their belt as it demonstrates work ethic and the development of skills outside of academics. The job market in Dickinson County lends itself to the ability for students to earn while they learn while attending Bay College. These collaborations allow for hands-on, experiential education in students’ fields of interest before graduation providing a huge advantage to local students, in addition to the significant cost savings of attending Bay College.
Fortunately, Rebecca Frates, DIISD Graphic Design Instructor and Susan Sturm, DIISD Mechatronics Instructor, shared a Field Service Technician Development Apprenticeship through Lake Shore Systems with Ben. An accepted apprentice through Lake Shore’s program covers the cost for a Mechatronics’ Certificate, and includes a $15 to $18 hourly wage and a full benefits package. After the apprenticeship, Cole has the opportunity to travel around the world with the potential to make up to $90K a year.
“I had no idea that an opportunity like this existed five minutes from my house! In school, the focus is on going to a four year college after high school. I would get asked “What college are you are going to?” instead of “What are you doing after high school?” It is the assumed pathway,” Ben shared.
Area employers expect to add 650 new jobs over the next three to five years, while Dickinson County’s unemployment rate rests at 3.8% which is seventeenth lowest out of 83 Michigan counties. Plus, in 2017, Dickinson County had 2,629 manufacturing jobs equal to 20% of the workforce compared to the State average is 13-14%, per the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“I struggled greatly with trying to decide which four-year college degree to take, and I couldn’t reach a decision by the end of high school,” said Ben. He was very impressed with Lake Shore’s values. The company has been designing and building robust, heavy equipment for the maritime and mining industries in the USA for 160 years. Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, innovative equipment and solutions to their global maritime and mining customers.
“They made sure that not only I, but also my parents understood that I would be given the time, resources and education needed before going into the field.” Ben will begin classes at Bay College – West Campus this fall.
Employers value students who have on-the-job work experience under their belt as it demonstrates work ethic and the development of skills outside of academics. The job market in Dickinson County lends itself to the ability for students to earn while they learn while attending Bay College. These collaborations allow for hands-on, experiential education in students’ fields of interest before graduation providing a huge advantage to local students, in addition to the significant cost savings of attending Bay College.
College/Career InformationStudents begin searching careers and colleges within the CareerCruising system in the 7th grade. KHS subscribes to this program, which allows students to plan and prepare for opportunities through high school and beyond. Ask your child to invite you to view their EDP (Educational Development Plan) within their account or see the Counseling Office for log in information. Inside CareerCruising, students can...
Undergraduate Application Guide -A great guide to help with the college application Check out the Best Colleges in Michigan Best Colleges College Navigator (NCES) Excellent resource used to compare schools across the national according to their national statistics. VERY interesting! Identify what careers match your Myers Briggs personality type Schools in the USA Knowhow2goMichigan Planning tool put forth by the State of Michigan Michigan Transfer Network Find out in advance which classes transfer from one MIchigan institution to another... Midwest Student Exchange Program Find out which Midwest schools participate in a 150% rate for out of state tuition... NCAA College Athletic Requirements Bureau of Labor Stats/Occupational Outlook Handbook Use expert advice to choose your future career wisely Job Demands By Michigan Region Explore Health Careers Job Market...Back to Hands-on Skills: How it is changing and data to support it. Apprenticeship Information
Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Apprenticeship programs can be sponsored by individual employers, joint employer and labor groups, and/or employer associations (U.S. DOL).
UP Apprentice Programs Michigan Construction Careers Registered Apprenticeships Positions That May Offer Apprenticeships |
Military Career InformationThe three main avenues to enter the military are summarized below. Click the icon at the bottom to get the most up to date information on each of the six branches.
Each branch will require an ASVAB score to determine entrance status. The ASVAB is given to all KHS students their junior year for career aptitude purposes. It can be reattempted with a recruiter after prep work is attempted if need be. (www.march2success.com) Enlist directly: Enter basic training and then move into a program to train for your career of choice... college degrees often follow through classes taken for free while serving in the military. AFQT entrance scores from the ASVAB test will vary from one branch to the next. The higher the score, the more job opportunities available. (31 has been a minimum cut score for the Army in the past but this will vary) ROTC: Sign on with a branch of the military and attend a university affiliated with the branch. Earn a four year degree and take ROTC courses as part of your college curriculum. Post graduation, serve in the military at the officer level for the remaining time of service. AFQT scores will need to be much higher and qualify for college admission. Competition yearly will vary and applications for ROTC should be completed as soon as possible (typically towards the end of the junior year). Academy: A very competitive process, often requiring a congressional nomination for admission. Elite way of entering the military branches requiring very high AFQT scores, unblemished high school record, and many letters of support from those who know you best. Workforce InformationCareerOneStop (U.S. DOL): Direct link to job openings nation wide... Fastest Growing Occupations Most Openings Highest Paying O*NET Occupational Information FREE ASSOCIATE DEGREE/PAID to WORK (MAT2) Application for MAT2 |