Michigan City HS Earns Industry Certification
(stock image courtesy: Pixabay/Thomas B)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowMichigan City High School has just been certified as a State Earn and Learn (SEAL) program, which will allow students in the school’s Compressed Air Academy graduate with credentials to land a job right out of school.
With nearly a dozen compressed air companies in the greater Michigan City area, there’s plenty of jobs available.
Officials from Indiana Department of Workforce Development this week awarded the school with the SEAL certification.
“We have multiple schools and companies currently utilizing SEALS to advance Indiana’s workforce,” said Darrel Zeck, executive director of DWD’s Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship. “Michigan City High School is a big addition to the SEAL certification initiative and its mission to help provide Indiana employers with a skilled workforce.”
The school partnered with several compressed air companies to develop the Compressed Air Academy, where high school students get industry-tailored instruction, hands-on experience with equipment, and on-the-job training.
Once certified, the students can continue their education or enter the workforce upon graduation.
“From the outset, businesses understood that they would need to have a deep level of involvement to ensure students’ success,” said Barbara Eason-Watkins, superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools. “They were eager to help us and are committed to continuing this work.”
SEALs are structured programs ranging from just eight weeks to two years. They include industry certifications tailored for any sector.
During the 2018-19 school year, the pilot program had seven students. Now in its first full year, the academy has grown to 45 students.