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Career Pathways — Manufacturing
Page 14 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Working Together to Shape the Future

chase a variety of industry relevant equipment
and curriculum that deepens their classroom
instruction. Teacher Externships allow teachers
to work at a local employer for a week in the
summer to learn more about the industry. The
Manufacturing Lab has machines that include
but are not limited to: Haas and Tormach Mills,
Bridgeports, Lasers, and 3D printers with the
same or similar technology currently used in
today’s industry.
The Manufacturing Career Pathway starts
with career exploration embedded in the class-
room instruction. As WBLAS continues to
pursue concurrent enrollment opportunities facturing Career Pathway continue to grow into
along with industry credentialing, additional a program for all students regardless of their
experiences such as listening sessions, job academic ability. As industry partners continue
shadows, job site tours, scholarships, and paid to create and align educational opportunities
internships are offered to students in the related with their workforce needs, students make
pathway. The district’s Career Pathways also more informed decisions about their career path
supports students’ desires to be in a variety of and WBLAS employees work to understand the
elective courses. In an effort to close the oppor- reality of the future workforce, the White Bear
Lake community proves that working together
White Bear Lake Area Schools looking to continue their education at a two tunity gap, all students are encouraged to sign to shape the future is possible.
up to be a part of the program. As the district’s
To support our mission of preparing stu- or four-year post-secondary institution and/or Manufacturing Career Pathway continues to
dents for success beyond high school, the White for students who are looking to enter the work evolve, opportunities for students to participate
Bear Lake Area School (WBLAS) District 624, force after high school. in apprentice programs are also expanding. www.isd624.org
has developed career pathway opportunities. White Bear Lake Area High School WBLAS Career Pathways and the Manu-
Our first career pathway in Manufacturing (WBLAHS) students are priority number
launched in 2015. WBLAS was fortunate to one. Teachers, counselors, equity specialists
receive a Greater Twin Cities United Way and members of the administration help stu-
grant that helped create that original WBLAS dents make informed decisions about their Coming in the Next Issue of
Career Pathway. Thanks to the work of faculty, career choice and appropriately match post-
staff, and dedicated industry partners, WBLAS secondary plans related to their interests and
Career Pathways now focuses on seven indus- skills. Students have the opportunity to par-
tries: Automotive, Business, Construction, ticipate in listening sessions, job shadows,
Education, Engineering & Manufacturing, job site tours, and paid internships to name a
few. Second, faculty and staff are able to focus
Health & Wellness and Information Technol- ships by receiving additional resources such TEACHING
ogy. All of these pathways are experiencing on quality instruction and student relation-
local, statewide, and national workforce short- TODAY
ages. as industry connections, teacher externships,
These pathway programs allow students to and grant writing support. Finally, WBLAS
take one or two courses or a series of courses Career Pathways creates and aligns educational
and include opportunities for job shadowing, opportunities based on the local community’s Student Automotive/
industry site visits, and credentials or certi- workforce needs.
fications recognized in the field. The career Through various grant opportunities, Aviation
pathway courses are appropriate for students Career Pathways teachers are able to pur-
&

Construction

Project & Programs

An opportunity to highlight these programs
in your schools!
Please contact:
Andria — andria@teachingtodaymn.com 715-360-4875, or
Renee — renee@teachingtodaymn.com 715-839-7074