Three students from Irondale High School , which is in the Mounds View Public School District , participated in a four-week summer internship in 2021 after completing a Tech-Ed related course during the school year . As part of their internship , the Irondale High School students got experience working with machines , received safety training and had access to employees who they could ask questions .
“ The key to the success of this program is having manufacturers like we did who are willing to commit to taking on high school students and providing a learning opportunity as well as career exposure . We would not be able to get our kids under the age of 18 into a manufacturing experience without it being through the YST program ,” said Mindy Handberg , Director of Community Partnerships for Mounds View Public Schools .
Summer 2021 was the first time students who attend Roseville Area Schools participated in the YST program . Six students from very diverse backgrounds participated in a five-week-long internship at MME Group , Inc . Students did a variety of different activities and
tasks within the scope of what the contract manufacturing company does : design and engineering , manufacturing , and also logistics . They also learned about the importance of safety .
“ Our students were able to get a good understanding of what the field of manufacturing is all about ,” said Brynn McConnell , Career Navigator for Roseville Area Schools . She added that after the five week internship ended , several students were able to stay on and continue working at MME Group for the rest of the summer .
“ There were obviously a lot of challenges , particularly as schools went back and forth between remote learning and in person learning . The impact that had on the YST program were significant , but they were able to adapt and provide virtual experiences , ranging from tours of companies and meetings with employers to curriculum that has been adapted to still be able to provide students with worthwhile learning opportunities ,” said Wessels .
“ I think it ’ s important that all students graduate confident for their plans after
graduation . They of course first need to know what they need to pursue in order to make that happen . So , any opportunity we can give students while still in high school to have hands on , relevant experiences in the world of work helps them determine not only what they want to do when they grow up but also what they don ’ t want to do , which is just as important ,” said Jill Stewart- Kellar , Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education for the Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District .
“ The Youth Skills Training Program puts the why in education , and it helps connect what ’ s being taught in the classroom to real world experiences . It also offers students an opportunity to build their resume and actually start creating a work experience and a life experience related to the career they are looking to pursue ,” said Moore .
More information about the Youth Skills Training program can be found on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website at this link : Dli . mn . gov / yst
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