Staff Writer
By Maggie Newman
Tom Vevea with the local 563 Laborers UNion spoke to Cole Braun about the apprenticeship program they offer.
There were 27 companies offering apprenticeship programs to students during the first ever youth career fair Thursday, at the Big Lake High School.
Lots of girls were interested in finding out more about the MN Care Center nursing facilty employee scholarship program.
Students stopped by the REgional Council of Carpenters booth to learn more about becimng a skilled carpenter.
Mathew Chub and classmates stopped at the McDowel Company booth.
Big Lake High School held their first-ever youth apprenticeship career fair last Thursday afternoon, and it went off without a hitch. Big Lake High School Principal Bob Dockendorf started planning for the apprentice fair with the goal to have 10 businesses attend, but after speaking with him during the event on Thursday, Dockendorf said he was “overwhelmed with support from the trade industries” as there were 27 businesses that came to the Big Lake High School to be part of the youth apprenticeship fair.
At 12:30 the apprenticeship fair kicked off with a presentation to the businesses and companies that attended. Dockendorf talked about how important it is to have apprentice programs for students and business, as well as the community. Dockendorf thanked Hanna Klimmek, community development director and the City of Big Lake for all their help to make the first ever apprenticeship career fair a success, as well as all the businesses for investing in students and the community. Joel Abraham, apprenticeship supervisor for LISI Medical, spoke about two students who are being mentored to become tradesmen for the company.
Mike Hill, who teaches robotics and engineering at the middle school, stated that there are lot of opportunities in the classroom that could lead students to be involved in an apprenticeship career. A pre-recorded video was played for students Wednesday as well as during the presentation. The video showed interviews from the two students who are currently involved in an apprenticeship with LISI Medical. They spoke about how much they enjoy being involved in the program. The video also showed interviews from Jennifer Fingarson, counselor at the high school, Mark Lee, work-based learning coordinator at Wright Technical Center, Joel Abraham, Apprentice supervisor at LISI Medical and Klimmek.
During the presentation Tim Smith, a representative for Legislator Jim Nash, addressed the audience about a bill that they have been trying to get passed. In the bill, there would be a tax credit for students and businesses who participate in an apprenticeship. The bill, however, did not pass so Smith urged everyone to contact their local government to let them know how important apprenticeship programs are. Representatives with Nick Zerwas and Tom Emmer’s offices attended the apprenticeship fair, and Dockendorf stated he will be meeting with Al Franken’s office in October. This is very important to help schools bridge the gap for those students who do not attend a four-year college. Training them to become highly skilled, high paid employees and to have a career doing something they enjoy.
After the presentation, business owners made their way back to the booths just in time for the first wave of students. There were around 600 hundred students who came through the gymnasium to see what all the different business apprenticeship had to offer.Klimmek was tending the booth for the city and said that it is very important to have students involved in apprenticeship, because the Big Lake schools and the students are the heart of the community. She wants students to know there are many employers in Big Lake who offer high skilled, high paying jobs in the community. After the students made their way around the booths and returned to class, the BLHS staff could attend the fair. It is important for staff to know what kind of programs are available for students to help guide them into the future and help them to be successful.
At 3 pm, parents of the students who are thinking about joining an apprenticeship program or just curious about what they offer were welcomed to visit with potential future employees. Dockendorf said the goal for the youth apprenticeship career fair is to have 90 students partner with one of the 27 business for apprenticeships position.
The following companies participated in the apprenticeship fair; Anoka Technical College, Carpentry Contractors Co., City of Big Lake, CMJTS, Coldspring USA, Dunwoody, Ebert Construction, Elim, Great River Regional Library-Big Lake Public Library, ICA Corporation, Ironworkers Union Local #512, J&B Group, Inc., Kraus Anderson Construction Company, Laborer's Union Local #563, LISI MEDICAL Remmele, McDowall Company, Mpls./St. Cloud Plumbers Union Local #15, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, OPCMIA Cement Masons Union Local #633, Park Industries, Sherburne County Suburban Manufacturing, Zero Zone, Inc.
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