IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Upper Peninsula Construction Council is holding a summer camp for high school students interested in a career in construction.
The construction trades offer so many different opportunities, it’s often hard for young people to choose one they like best. That’s what makes this summer camp so unique, it’s six weeks of intensive training in 10 different trades. Everything from heavy equipment operation to plumbing, sheet metal, electrical and boiler making, to name a few.
The camp allows students to try their hand at various vocations, giving them an idea of what to expect in the real world of the construction industry. Michael Smith, Director of the UP Construction Council says it’s all about choices.
“And they just get an introduction right there, get a taste for it and see, is this a potential career choice for me?” said Smith.
The instructors WZMQ spoke to are all impressed with the dedication of the students.
“You can really see it in their eyes and you know, when they find out this is something that you can do. They really, really brighten up about it,” said instructor Colin Harbenski.
Wednesday, the students were learning about heavy equipment, cranes, excavators, the big machines. For Ben Cowen of Iron Mountain, it’s his favorite subject so far.
“I like how we learn a different trades every couple of days, and how we can be hands on learning the different trades and how we were able to just do it and learn it at the same time,” said Cowen.
With the high cost of four year universities, many students are opting for a career in the trades, a decision this summer camp can prepare them for.
It’s not to early to think about next year’s trades summer camp which will be held in Gladstone. For information on how to sign up, please visit www.upconstruction.com
