ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, high schoolers celebrated their achievements in the 2024 Construction Connect UP program, as well as new opportunities available to them.
Eleven students were “drafted” into build trades apprenticeships, signing on with companies like Closner Construction and Berger & King, as well as the Carpenters and Millwrights Local 1510 union.
“For the entire year, they reported for two hours a day to one of our contractors,” explained Upper Peninsula Construction Council Executive Director Mike Smith. “We rotate them, so they might be with a general contractor, HVAC plumbing, pipe fitting, and an electrical contractor.”
Students got to “earn and learn” alongside skilled craftspeople to help them determine which trade would be right for them. Smith says they’ll soon be able to fill high-demand positions in their chosen industries.
“Quite honestly, our biggest export is young people,” he said. “18- to 25-year-olds, we’re exporting them right out of the U.P. We want to keep our talent here, grow our talent here, and make sure that we are successful here in the U.P.”
Construction Connect UP is already interviewing the next round of students. Click here to learn more about the program.
