Connecting classrooms to careers
By: Brent Brasure
On Tuesday November 4th, Fraser Public Schools hosted a community-wide training event designed to highlight the reality that U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships are not fallback plans for wandering students, but rather a competitive primary target for learners who plan to earn while they learn serving within a variety of different in-demand career pathways. The day focused on dedicating our new Apprenticeship Wall, which was awarded through a grant through the Michigan Department of Education, before all Fraser Public Schools employees, dozens of industry partners, & local thought leaders including keynote speaker former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.
This day of district provided professional development was crafted to unite all FPS stakeholders around the goal of launching our graduates towards success following their time in Fraser High School. Attendees were welcomed to enjoy a wonderful 5-star meal provided by the Fraser Culinary staff, students, & partners. Next, Superintendent Dr. Carrie Wozniak set the stage for our current learning partnerships & presented local economic factors that encourage us to pursue this important work. Director of Career & Technical Education Mr. Brent Brasure educated the community on the benefits of students pursuing training through any of the Career Pathways available to Ramblers at FHS with an emphasis on connecting these experiences to local partnerships that will continue to support graduates in achieving success. Governor Snyder encouraged our learning community to be brave enough to adjust our practices to ensure students are connecting learning in the classroom to applications within vibrant & rewarding careers. Longtime FPS business partner & Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Coordinator Mr. Mark Wertz walked staff through understanding the current opportunities available to all young people interested in earning while they learn within a registered apprenticeship.
Next, a panel of industry partners welcomed questions from our staff to help all better understand the variety of different pathways that offer registered apprenticeship training including education, culinary, construction trades, & more. Guests included Executive Director of Youth Solutions & former Director of the Michigan Department of Talent & Economic Development Mr. Roger Curtis, I.F. Metalworks President Ms. Karen Arondoski, Michigan Department of Education CTE Consultant Mrs. Candace Vinson, Detroit Institute of Gastronomy Director Mr. John Piazza, DTE Workforce Development Lead Mr. Jonathone Johnson, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 Training Center Director Mr. Samuel Valez along with FHS graduates & former apprentices Mr. Brandon Schein & Mr. Will Sievers, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1045 President Mr. Steve McCool, & FHS graduate, former apprentice, & current owner of R and E Electrical Mr. Bailey Toma.
Finally, staff were provided with a Career Pathway Passport used to visit learning spaces all over FHS while they were tasked with talking to the teachers, partners, & over 100 students who attended on their day off to help teachers identify learning objectives within career pathways that can be supported in traditional classrooms across the district. Teachers collected stamps on their passports while exploring lab spaces, hearing from Career Technical Student Organization leaders, & stretching their understanding of how they can connect classrooms to careers to better engage our learners by connecting existing lessons to students' future goals.
The Apprenticeship Wall was installed at the entrance to the Fraser High School Cafeteria to draw student attention to the opportunities awaiting them after graduation should they choose to pursue more than a dozen different unionized trades opportunities where employees are currently thriving in our local economy. We are tremendously grateful that our school community was able to unite around the critical goal of ensuring all students can achieve success following their time in Fraser Public Schools!
Article provided by Fraser Public Schools for publication in the Macomb Daily.
