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We like a program developed by the Upper Peninsula Construction Council and a host of others that gives high school students a taste of the real working world while allowing them to earn a few bucks.
This new initiative is called Construction Connect UP. And in a nutshell, it "gives qualified high school seniors an outstanding academic education while instilling in them an understanding of the world of work and the skills necessary for competing in the construction industry," UPCC Executive Director Mike Smith said.
The UPCC worked with its signatory contractors and U.P. building trades unions, U.P. Michigan Works!, Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District, Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District and Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency to develop a program that is skill-based, labor- and industry-approved and directly linked to real workplace situations.
For the record, CCUP is operating as now a pilot program for the second semester of the current school year, with three students from Escanaba and one student from Kingsford involved.
In May, students who successfully complete the program may be drafted into building trades apprenticeships.
The full program will follow for the 2023-24 school year.
Students' schedules will need to allow for two to three hours in the mornings or afternoon for working, learning -- and earning $13 an hour -- on job sites.
Sound like something you or someone you know might be interested in?
To qualify, students must at the time of the program's start be a high school senior at least age 17, be enrolled in a certified Career Technical Education program, have a driver's license and reliable transportation and pass a drug screen.
This is an interesting and innovative program that has a huge upside.
To apply, visit bit.ly/40IzNZr.