CAREER PATHWAYS
Education & Industry Working Together to Shape the Future
T
he White Bear Lake Area Schools’
Career Pathways program began
its fourth year September 2018.
Since 2015, the program has grown
from one pathway – Manufacturing
– to four: Manufacturing, Healthcare,
IT (Information Technology) and
Construction. And from one Career
Navigator to two: Jenny Moore and
Jeremy Kerg.
Students entering into 9th grade
through the completion of high
school are exposed to many different
opportunities to explore and gain a very
enriched view of a specific industry or
industries. A career pathway starts with
exploration. One intentional way this
is facilitated with 9th and 10th grade
students is through a program called
“Hot Jobs” with volunteer speakers
from the various industries speaking to
students during their advisory periods.
Conversations include information
about the speakers’ companies and the
careers available within their company.
Navigator Moore says, “Students
enrolled in Career Pathway classes learn
industry-specific skills and, in some
courses may earn free college credit
and industry-recognized credentials.
Students learn from speakers, tour local
industries and may have opportunities
to intern with them. What we know is
when high school students can obtain
college credit related to their career
field, they are more likely to succeed
in their college program or their career
path. Pathways’ participants develop
essential skills and experience needed
to either enter the workforce directly
with a high-paying career or further
their education at a two-year, four-year
post-secondary institution, or Union
Training Center.”
Navigator Kerg says, “Parents have
responded positively to Career
Pathways. They understand the
financial future of our community, and
they understand that there are really
great careers in the industry sectors
highlighted by our Career Pathways
program. They also understand that
these great careers can be attained
42
Northeast Metro Business
White Bear Lake High School Manufacturing Career Pathway students benefit from collaborations with Industry Partners
such as Mold Craft (in Willernie), where students have interned in 2017 and 2018. Shown here: Mold Craft Vice President of
Engineering Justin McPhee (right of check) presents former VHEDC Director Ling Becker (left of check) with $3,000 for the
GenZ Connections Careers in Manufacturing Program. Others pictured represent Mold Craft, White Bear Lake Area Schools
and VHEDC Board of Directors.
across all educational levels. Students
can be empowered to choose an
educational path that makes sense for
their future career.”
CAREER PAT HWAY S BY
THE N UM B E RS, 2 0 1 8 –
2019 SC HO O L Y E AR:
• 1 90 CON STR UCTIO N
CAREE R PATHWAY
STUDE N TS
• 3 68 H E A LTHCA R E
CAREE R PATHWAY
STUDE N TS
• 1 59 I N F OR M ATIO N
TECHN OLOGY CA R E E R
PATHWAY STUDE N TS
• 2 82 M AN UFACTUR IN G
CAREE R PATHWAY
STUDE N TS
Former VHEDC Executive Director
Ling Becker says, “Since its inception,
the Manufacturing Pathway has been
an excellent example of community
collaboration at its finest. It is
incredibly significant to the economic
development of our local workforce.
Manufacturers are noting that workforce
shortages are a major hindrance to their
continued growth. The opportunities
the Manufacturing and other Pathways
afford are a responsive approach
to building partnerships between
education and various industries, with a
focus on preparing students not just for
jobs, but also viable long-term careers.”
Navigator Moore says, “For our IT
Career Pathway, we have worked toward
providing paid and unpaid internships
with local businesses – such as Firefly
Computers in Arden Hills – so that
students can gain hands-on experiences
with computer hardware, software
networking, cybersecurity, etc.