IN Millcreek Spring 2019 | Page 30

u MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT: BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE! t McDowell High School Manufacturing Academy T by the students at McDowell are identical to those found in many local manufacturing industries. Another unique feature of the District’s program is that students have the ability to obtain internship opportunities through the District’s Internship Coordinator. Program Coordinator and teacher Kyle Bucholtz said, “We have heard from our partner companies loud and clear that manufacturing in Erie is strong as ever and our students can have a bright future being part of this industry!” At the recent press conference, Superintendent William Hall further commented about a recent survey conducted by members of the National Tooling and Machining industry that showed 75% of the manufacturing businesses have existing job openings at this time, and more than 90% of those businesses have serious or moderate challenges recruiting skilled employees. “Our program will put McDowell students in a very favorable position when applying for these manufacturing jobs,” Hall said. Student candidates for the Manufacturing Academy program will initially be identified during their one-on-one scheduling meeting with their Guidance Counselor. Students and parents will also have access to informational videos that can soon be viewed on the school district’s website (www.mtsd.org). s Pictured left to right: Manufacturer and Business Association President and CEO John Krahe, and Haas Factory Outlet Sales Engineer Jerry Haas. s Pictured left to right: Senator Daniel Laughlin with Operations and Finance Committee Chair Gary J. Winschel and School Board President John DiPlacido he Millcreek Township School District is proud to announce its latest academic program initiative, the McDowell High School Manufacturing Academy. The goal of the Manufacturing Academy is to provide employment opportunities for graduating students and/or to better prepare students entering a post-secondary technical training school program. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Manufacturing Academy Certificate at graduation, along with the OSHA 10 hour Safety Certification Card. In addition, students who complete the course have an opportunity to earn a Quality Assurance Technician Certificate through Edinboro University. The McDowell Manufacturing Academy targets high school students who have a sincere drive for manufacturing workforce preparedness that includes targeted career readiness coursework, hands-on training, and internship experiences. Several representatives from McDowell High School’s partner companies attended a press conference to support the District with its new enterprise. A tour was provided showcasing some of the state of the art equipment being used for the program. While this program is not a traditional Career and Technical Program, it is designed to help support and build a strong local manufacturing workforce. The Manufacturing Academy is different than a traditional vocational technical program in that it provides a specified pathway to help students focus their course selections and electives to obtain a foundation in manufacturing while remaining at McDowell. In addition, the machines utilized s Pictured left to right: Luke Tarr, PHB, Inc./ Reddog Industries; Shawn Bradley, PHB, Inc./ Reddog Industries; and Brandon Edwards, McDowell Technical Education Teacher. s Pictured McDowell student Dan McQuaid MTSD Child Development & Early Learning Programs Interested in Pre-K, Infant / Toddler, and Before & After Care programs for 2019-20? For more information, call 814-836-6090. 28 MILLCREEK