August 16, 2019—Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., have expanded their GenZ Connections class into the automotive and manufacturing industry, reports Vadnais Heights Press.
11 students—four automotive and seven manufacturing—completed the six-week internship program on July 22 with Buerkle Automotive Group.
To meet the need for a skilled workforce in a variety of fields, the White Bear Lake Area Schools’ Career Pathways program includes manufacturing, healthcare, IT and trades, with the automotive pathway recently being added.
“Students enrolled in Career Pathway classes learn industry-specific skills and, in some courses, may earn free college credit and industry-recognized credentials,” said Jenny Moore, career navigator.
Growing a skilled workforce for the area has been a team-effort since 2017. That year Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC), White Bear Lake Area Schools (WBLAS), Ramsey County, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, local industry partners and White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation partnered to create the GenZ Connections paid-internship program in order to focus on the career goals of high school students and to grow a strong and sustainable workforce.
“We’re proud to be a part of this program that enriches the career paths of students in the White Bear Lake Area School District,” said Vadnais Heights economic development corporation executive director Liz Moscatelli.
