MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Upper Peninsula Construction Council’s annual summer camp has been underway for a few weeks now. 30 high school students from around Marquette County have taken this opportunity, looking to reach the next level right after graduation.
“We keep them busy,” said UPCC Director, Mike Smith. “We get them exposed so they get to see what a career would look like in a short period of time.”
Before any student enters the training facilities, an intensive process kicks off the camp. Earlier this summer, each student went through a nine-person interview panel, followed by a financial literacy course and a MIOSHA safety training course.
Over its five weeks, the students are given a taste of working in 11 different trades, and are taught by local union members. So far, they’ve utilized heavy machinery and got an idea of electrical and sheetmetal jobs. This week, students worked with soldering and welding with copper piping.
The earn-and-learn camp pays the students $14 an hour, hopefully building an experience that generates the first steps in a career.
“It’s been great, I’ve learned so much and I think its going to make me a lot safer of a worker,” said Ethan Maksim, a Gwinn high school junior. “After I graduate I want to work as a boilermaker in the apprenticeship and see where it goes from there.”
The camp runs from July 6 through August 5. Students will be given a certificate and a $200 bonus upon completion.
