ABOVE: Consumers Energy Natural Gas BOOT CAMP Graduation Speakers (not shown: Patrick Van Beek, President, Midwest ENERGY Association)

“This partnership is a living example of business and education coming together to provide the workforce of today and tomorrow”… Dr. Markavitch

Dr. Vickie Markavitch, Superintendent of Oakland Schools, at Boot Camp Graduation Ceremony 2014: “Consumers Energy and our Construction Technology program at Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) came together to solve an industry problem: the development of a talented and sustainable stream of trained employees for the utility industry.

So was born the Consumers Energy Natural Gas Boot Camp – a six week summer program offering 52 training modules, along with strength training and hands-on lab work.

Eighteen students started the Boot Camp, using the nationally certified curriculum provided by Consumers Energy through Midwest ENERGY Association.

One of these students walked to school every day in order to participate, another stayed for extra lab time at every opportunity, and another finished the coursework early but remained to tutor and mentor his peers.

Fourteen of those original students completed the rigorous program; the training they successfully completed will provide them with a high wage and a high demand career option right here in Michigan – perhaps with Consumers Energy itself.

We have hopes of embedding the Natural Gas Boot Camp into OSTC’s Construction Technology program, beginning September 2014, as a viable pathway option for high school seniors interested in the utility industry.

Congratulations to all who have worked on this new connection for our students! You have enhanced the preparation of tomorrow’s talent, today. ”

IMAGE LEFT: Proud Oakland Schools Partners at the graduation ceremony also included Mary Kay Aukee (Executive Director of Career Focused Education) and Paul Galbenski (Dean of OSTC Northeast). Not shown: Dr. Terri Spencer (Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services).

IMAGE RIGHT: Cynthia Scherphorn, Education Business Partnership Consultant (and Boot Camp program mastermind/coordinator!), making new program plans with OSTC Boot Camp Instructors James Sweeney and Duane Olds.

RESOURCES

Consumers Energy Boot Camp Press Release

Oakland Schools Technical Campuses

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Blog Editor: Jean MacLeod, Communications/Oakland Schools

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