RESA Summer Job Skills Program
Posted on August 21, 2015
Throughout the summer, recent high school graduates have had the opportunity to gain employment skills and manufacturing certifications through the St. Clair County RESA Summer Job Skills Program. The Community Foundation helped this program get started through a $17,500 grant.
One of the students involved in the program is Isaac. Isaac graduated from Marysville High School in the spring. He was active in school activities, including marching band, football, swimming and track. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and boating. Isaac always knew he wanted a career that was hands on. Much like his high school activities, he needs to be involved and busy. He hadn’t, however, been able to identify a career path that he was excited about. He figured he would start at the community college and eventually transfer to a four-year university, but he was undecided on a major.
Isaac was approached by the career pathways advisor at Marysville High School regarding RESA’s summer program. He was able to tour a manufacturing company and along with his parents learn more about the program. Isaac was looking for a career that would allow him to feel accomplished and also for something that was enjoyable.
From not knowing what his future held a couple of months ago, Isaac is now excited to begin “a career to be proud of and that his future kids and family can be proud of and he can provide for them.”
The program is made up of classroom lessons combined with actual training on the different machines. For Isaac, the machining part is his favorite, “When I get on a lathe or a mill, time flies. I love it. I love seeing something from blue print to part.” It leaves him with the feeling of accomplishment.
According to Isaac, “This program has given me the opportunity to be trained in a trade that I can have a career in. This program has not only provided the career training but has also allowed me to look into my future and see that I will be able to have the things in life that I want, like buying a house and providing for a family. I feel that my talents will be used every day and I will be happy in life.”
Upon completion of the 7 week program, graduates will then spend the next three weeks doing internships at different companies. They will also have received certifications in engine lathe, vertical milling, CNC milling and CNC turning.
“I really appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I wouldn’t have been able to figure out how to get into this industry without the guidance I received. I hope there will be the same opportunity for others in future.” -Isaac
