Computer-aided design, modeling
and operation of equipment such
as CNC mills are taught. Nyren says
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
requirements and advice from area
business leaders has been guiding much
of the curriculum.
In 2016, there were 48 manufacturing
companies in Vadnais Heights, paying
an average annual wage of $81,692. In
Quarter Three 2016, manufacturing jobs
in Vadnais Heights – on average – paid
$22,152 higher annual wages than any
other industry.
A MATURING CAREER
PATHWAYS PROGRAM
Today, the White Bear Lake High
School Career Pathways program –
beginning its fourth year September
2018 – employs two Career Navigators
to oversee students in four pathways:
Manufacturing, Construction, Information
Technology, and Healthcare. Jeremy
Kerg focuses on Manufacturing and
Construction, and Jenny Moore attends
to IT and Healthcare.
Moore says, “Students enrolled in
Career Pathways classes learn industry-
specific skills and, in some courses may
earn free college credit and industry-
recognized credentials. Students learn
from speakers, tour local industries
and may have opportunities to intern
with them. What we know is when high
school students can obtain college
credit related to their career field, they
are more likely to succeed in their
college program or their career path.
Pathways’ graduates develop essential
skills and experience needed to either
enter the workforce directly with a high-
paying career or further their education
at a two or four-year post-secondary
institution.”
VHEDC Executive Director Ling
Becker says, “The Manufacturing
Pathway is an excellent example
of community collaboration at its
finest. The Pathway at White Bear
Lake Schools is incredibly significant
to the economic development of
our local workforce. Manufacturers
are noting that workforce shortages
are a major hindrance to their
continued growth. The opportunity
the Pathway affords is a responsive
approach to building partnerships
between education and industry
with a focus to prepare students not
just for a job, but viable
long-term careers.”
The IT Pathway includes a
variety of multi-year classes
for 9th – 12th graders, such as:
IT Explorations, Programming
Fundamentals, AP Computer
Science Principles and
Principles of Engineering.
Other opportunities include
Tech Depot, a
school program where paid
student workers offer
IT repair and support
to manage the thousands of
Chromebooks the School
District has for all
6th – 12th graders.
Students also have paid
internship opportunities with
FireFly Computers and
Technology Repair Store.
The Healthcare Pathway includes a
variety of two-year classes for juniors
and seniors, such as: Introduction
to Healthcare Careers, Biomedical
Engineering, Kinesiology, Anatomy
& Physiology, and next year Certified
Nursing Assistant. The 2nd Annual
HealthPartners Career Academy will
happen summer of 2018 for Healthcare
Career Pathway Students in grades 9-12.
Career Navigator Jenny Moore
says, “We are currently working
towards providing paid and unpaid
IT internships with local businesses
– such as Firefly Computers in Arden
Hills – so that students can gain
hands-on experiences with computer
hardware, software networking and
cybersecurity. Internships in healthcare
are more difficult, however, because
of patient rights. We have been able
to offer information sessions related
to pediatrics, surgery, pharmacy, and
nursing – areas that students are most
interested in. There have been tours
at St. John’s Hospital’s Pharmacy and
Summit Orthopedics, and the University
of Minnesota Hospital’s Intensive Care
Unit.”
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