MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) and the Michigan Building Trades Council (MBTC) are receiving an Excellence in Practice award from the Michigan Department of Education for their “Construction Connect” summer camp program.
The program allows high school seniors to learn skills in various trades and construction fields, while earning a wage.
Many students in the program also are drafted into a union right out of high school, allowing them to get a living wage and benefits.
Ryan Stern from the MBTC said these hands-on programs help show students what career opportunities are available to them.
“For many years these paths weren’t talked about in the school district,” said Stern, “it was all pushing towards college and the construction trades were kind of forgot about. But getting recognition for these types of programs and their importance is very eye opening for a lot of people.”
UPCC Director Mike Smith said programs like the summer camp are important for ensuring a robust workforce in the years to come.
“There’s so much work we have a difficult time physically making sure there’s enough craftspeople on each one of those sites,” said Smith. “In the next seven years, 40% of all those working with the tools will be eligible to retire. So, our next generation of folks are really important. We want them to understand their value and understand their opportunities.”
Click here for more information about the UPCC’s “Construction Connect” program.
