Local leaders meet for tech school talk

• Meeting

Submitted photo.

Talk about it

Another step has been taken in the process of bringing postsecondary education to the North Shore.

The Two Harbors Area Chamber of Commerce staff, local manufacturing company executives, instructors and officials from Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, the Lake Superior School District Superintendent, and Two Harbors High School Principal Brett Archer met Tuesday to tour seven local manufacturing companies to see what skills are required for job seekers wishing to enter their work force.

MRCTC Dean of Academic Affairs Carol Helland said the local industries made quite an impression and cited the quality of the organizations she had toured. “I was so impressed with the industries in the area and their magnitude and impact on the area and region,” she said. “We’re so grateful that the school district came to us.”

MRCTC Director Lisa Kvas agrees. She said she was blown away by what Two Harbors offers in the manufacturing industry considering the size of the city. Kvas said the tour today was about companies showing MRCTC what their needs are and MRCTC showing that “we’re serious about giving them the workforce they need.”

MRCTC millwright program instructor Bill Parker said he thinks the partnership between the Lake Superior School District and the Technical College will be an “excellent opportunity for both parties.” He said high school students have to be prepared for their future by having the right skills and knowledge. “Every industry says unless you have a two-year degree, we’re not going to talk to you,” Parker said.

Parker said he thought of one student who went through the millwright program and was recently employed. After 50 weeks, the student had been paid about $102,000 because he had the skills that were required.

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation Maintenance Superintendent John Seeber said he was there to offer his input on what those skills were as well as what courses would be required to fill the employment qualifications.

“There’s a broad range of skills necessary,” he said. “Including welding skills and industrial technology skills.”

Lake Superior School District Superintendent Phil Minkkinen said he marveled at the sophistication of the equipment the companies were using. “I was impressed with the level of skills people to have to have to work there,” he said.

Minkkinen said the postsecondary program would start this coming fall semester and that the kids he has talked to about the program are excited. He has been talking about starting a postsecondary program in the area for a while. “This is satisfying,” he said.

Talks between the MRCTC and the school district have been going on for some time. Currently, the plan is to base the welding program in Two Harbors and the millwright program in Silver Bay.

Tags: two harbors, news