Students from Portage High School got the opportunity to visit multiple locations in Portage to learn about potential careers in construction. On Thursday, February 20, the Portage Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) Construction 360 program gave the students a chance to learn about local job opportunities and obtain exposure on a construction site.
Portage EDC announced the launch of this construction program at the Manufacturing 360 program in the fall. Andy Maletta, executive director of Portage EDC, believes this program is perfect for plenty of students at Portage High School. Many of them have a passion for construction and it opens a door for students who want to learn more about it.
“We have a lot of kids who participate in the construction program at the high school along with other kids who are looking for what they might want to do after graduation,” Maletta said. “We teamed up with the Construction Advancement Foundation, the Iron Workers Union, the Operating Engineers Union and Sheet Metal Workers to expose the kids to some of these opportunities. Hopefully, it helps pique their interest and guides them into what direction they decide to go when they finish high school.”
While this program serves to educate students, Portage EDC is motivated to also teach the students. They provided them with a chance to work with tools that they would need to use if they pursue a career in construction one day.
“This is different from a typical job fair where the students not only learn about what the job entails, but they get some hands-on experience as well,” Maletta said. “They’re making toolboxes, working with sheet metal, getting some welding experience, and operating heavy equipment. This allows the kids to see what they can expect in this field of work.”
Jacob Cohen, assistant principal of Portage High School, believes this program also invites students to see the level of commitment and consistency needed for a full-time position in construction.
“This is a great opportunity to get these students a chance to see the different trades that have built their community,” Cohen said. “The foundation of Portage Township is built on the backs of blue-collar workers who wake up every day and work. Giving these kids a glimpse of what they can be doing for themselves is pretty incredible.”
Mike Stephens, associate superintendent of Portage Township Schools, considers the 360 programs with the Portage EDC to have an integral part in guiding their students to a path of success.
“We have multiple 360 programs that we have for the students,” Stephens said. “We do one for health care, manufacturing, and today’s program for construction. As a school, we’re grateful for the partnerships that we’ve built with the Portage EDC. The opportunities for our kids are invaluable.”
Every student has different desires when it comes to their career path. The ultimate goal for the Portage EDC is to showcase through these programs that the opportunities are endless for where to start their journey after graduation.
“I hope these kids leave here knowing that there are options for them,” Maletta said. “There’s a lot of different paths for them to take once they finish high school, including many opportunities right here in Portage. If they want to stay local and build their life here, there’s a path for them to do that as well.”
For more information on the Portage EDC, you can visit its website.
