According to Ramsey County
Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, the
importance of the program warranted
“a quick fix” that was also aided by the
Minnesota Department of Education and
the Department of Labor and Industry.
Additionally, Ramsey County ensured the
students would be paid for their 90-hour,
four-week internships.
Student Grant Unger says, “The thing
I enjoyed the most was working on the
three axis mills and creating something
from an aluminum bar. I like to design
things and see every step taken to create
a part.” Student Bela Larsen says, “This
internship exceeded my expectations.
I expected my experience to be boring
and dirty. I was very wrong. This internship
caused me to be more interested in
manufacturing, appreciative of so many
people involved in the processes, and it
gave me a deeper understanding of a real
job site.”
Justin McPhee, Vice President of
Engineering at Mold Craft, says
“GenZ is important to Mold Craft
and the community because it helps
students and parents make a positive
connection between a viable career and
manufacturing. Manufacturing is very high
tech, pays well with benefits and the post-
secondary education is affordable with
students often coming out of college with
no debt as they have been working in the
field as they go to school.”
Former VHEDC Executive Director
Ling Becker says, “STEM education,
as we know it, is changing rapidly.
Employers are recognizing the need to
get a pipeline of workers faster and are
leaning increasingly on two-year and
technical degrees rather than just four-
year programs. Employers are committed
to training their employees on the job
in more of a “learn & earn” model. The
GenZ program helps students get paid
work experience and OSHA 10 training.
This program is absolutely crucial
to growing a strong and sustainable
manufacturing workforce in the Northeast
Metro area.”
Photos courtesy of White Bear Lake Area
Schools.
MINI STORAGE
Gate Access
(daily):
7:00 am - 10:00 pm
VAdNAIS HEIGHTS
NOw OpEN
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm • Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: CLOSED
3880 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
(651) 771-3880
www.northstarministorage.com
vhedc.com
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