Above: LMMC representatives attended a breakfast event at Kennedy Catholic High School to learn about its Pathways career exploration and development curriculum. Attendees included (left to right) George Becker (Becker Crane), Nikki Coffey (ELLWOOD), Chris Becker (Becker Crane) and school president Joe Kenneally.
An area high school showed off its creative way of introducing students to in-demand career paths, and Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition members in attendance said they’re all-in.
Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage hosted a breakfast event for local business leaders to promote its “Pathways” program to generate awareness and interest in partnering with the school on new career development curriculum.
Pathways starts with middle schoolers and continues through to graduation. It includes experiential learning, career exploration, hands-on experience and student-run enterprises in business, manufacturing and culinary career paths. A medical pathway is being added next.
“We’re excited for the opportunity for kids to learn differently,” said Joe Kenneally, school president. “It’s great to see what kids can do that isn’t pens and paper, isn’t books and isn’t college. The world needs plumbers, electricians and welders. Those occupations are more appreciated today.”
Kennedy Catholic has spent the past year outfitting a “Fab Lab” within the school dedicated to this program that is equipped with a CNC machine, 3D printers, design software, laser engravers, screen printers, large-format printers and more, all to offer students the opportunity to explore their interests in engineering, design and technology.
LMMC members impressed
Chris Becker, vice president of LMMC and president of G.W. Becker Crane in Hermitage, toured the Fab Lab as part of the event.
“It’s exciting to see that a local high school with a college-based learning curriculum realizes the value – and is committing the resources to – expose alternative careers to young adults,” Becker said. “The Fab Lab provides their students with an enhanced STEM education and an introduction to pathways into the skilled trades.”
Other LMMC-member manufacturers attending included George Becker, founder of G.W. Becker, Nikki Coffey from ELLWOOD, and Julie Michael-Smith, LMMC coalition manager.
The school is looking to integrate Pathways with local employers in hopes of making the community better and encouraging students to stay local after graduation.
“LMMC members should avail themselves the opportunity to collaborate with the Fab Lab to design course programs, establish new curriculum, mentor students, and to provide awareness on various career opportunities that exist in the localmanufacturing sector,” Chris Becker added. “Educators want to know what skillsets and training is valued by manufacturers.”
Who is LMMC?
Learn more about LMMC and its mission to promote manufacturing careers among Lawrence and Mercer county youth by visiting lawrencemercermfg.com. Membership is open to local manufacturers, education and community organizations, and companies affiliated with local manufacturing.
