ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Thursday, students got firsthand experience in potential trades careers at Midwest Truck Driving School and North Country Electrical Line and Heavy Equipment Schools.
Students had the opportunity to go on the job site, behind the wheel, and up in the air at the schools’ annual Career Exploration Day.
“People get the opportunity to climb a power pole, to hop up in a bucket truck, to actually drive a semi truck,” said School Director Josh Barron. “It’s one of the only times you get the opportunity to operate a log truck…not something you get to do very often.”
Each year, the event draws crowds of middle schoolers, high schoolers, and even elementary students.
“We went on the excavator,” said attendee Annabelle. “It was really cool being in there and getting to move it around.”
They were taught what to do at each station by students currently enrolled in the schools.
“Anyone that likes—like me—hands-on stuff, it’s really good for them,” said North Country Electrical Line School student Lane Carpenter. “It’s just a really good career path. You also get your CDLs and learn all the heavy equipment as well. It’s just a lot of fun in my opinion.”
According to Barron, trades like these are in need of more up-and-coming professionals.
“Right now, the trades in general are booming,” he said. “This really gives an opportunity for students to learn about these trades, the requirements to get into these trades, and—like for the lineman part—actually be able to climb poles. Where do you get the opportunity to do that?”
Before the Career Exploration Day, some students may never have considered a future working a trade. Annabelle learned about what kind of impact those jobs can have.
“It’s really cool to do, and it helps others,” she said. “You could build stuff for other people, and you could help a lot of people.”
Barron says exposing students to these experiences at a young age can plant the seeds of interest in a potential career.
“What today’s about is maybe finding your passion—or figuring out what you don’t want!” he said. “I’ve seen both where people hop up on a pole and they’re like, ‘Absolutely not! I hate heights!’ That’s completely fine too. For other people, it’s like, ‘Wow, this is amazing. This is what I want to do.’ For some people, it’s about finding that passion of something that they maybe never thought possible before.”
Midwest and North Country schools have an open-door policy, so anyone interested in learning more about available programs is welcome to visit the facility at 1519 North 26th Street. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To schedule a tour of the schools, call (906) 789-6311.
More information is available at midwestruckdrivingschool.com and ncheschool.com.
