MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Upper Peninsula Construction Council is taking applications from current high school juniors in surrounding U.P. school districts who are interested in working in trades.
The “Construction Connect U.P.” program is an “earn and learn” experience, where students will work in a 2 hour block during the school day. They will be paid $14 an hour and work alongside skilled UPCC contractors in various trades.
“From what we’re seeing, the rate of employment and the skills they already know are far above those being brought through a typical application process,” said Mike Smith, the executive director of the UPCC. “It’s been well received by the schools and students.”
In order to qualify for the program, students must be 17 years of age by the time the program starts, be of senior status in the fall, be enrolled in a certified CTE (Career and Technical Education) program. They must also have a driver’s license and reliable transportation, and pass a drug test.
Applications for the Construction Connect U.P. program are due on March 31. Find out more on their website at upconstruction.org.