Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the CTE Programs

By Mike Schmidt

It is important to understand that Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) comes in many forms. One of those forms is the pursuit of skilled trades jobs that are important for the economic health and well-being of southwest Michigan’s economy. The Lakeshore Excellence Foundation (LEF) has provided opportunities for Lakeshore High School (LHS) students to learn skilled trades that help support our local economy. These students participate in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.

One example of an impactful CTE program is the CTE Welding Program.

Over the past nine years, the LEF has helped purchase multiple pieces of equipment. In 2018, the LEF provided the funds necessary to purchase a tungsten grinding machine. This purchase allowed the school to retire the traditional method in favor of a more environmentally friendly option, which reduces students’ exposure to tungsten and other chemicals to practically zero. Between 2021 and 2022, the LEF provided funds to purchase 12 Miller Multimatic 255 welding machines. These machines perform different welding processes students learn in our program. These processes include Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux-Core Arc Welding (FCAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). These machines replaced equipment that was outdated and, in some cases, nearly 20 years old. An engine-driven welder was also purchased at the same time, introducing students to welding outdoors. Students learn to weld structural pipes with the Local 357 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. Lastly, a Scotchman Ironworker was also purchased with the same funds, allowing students to cut and form materials easily and quickly. The Scotchman Ironworker is generally used by students on their own projects or projects completed by the class for community members.

How does this impact our students? Will Hack is one example of the benefits of the program. He began welding at a local company as part of our Work-Based Learning program. After graduation, he stayed at the company and continued to weld. He applied for and was accepted into UA Local 357 as a welder/pipefitter apprentice. He is currently completing his apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman welder.

Another student, Taylor Gooding, also benefited from the program. After graduating from LHS, she continued her education by attending Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis, IN. After graduating, she remained in Indianapolis and is working for a local welding company.

When students move into a welding career, many take their skills and move into the machining industry that is prevalent in our surrounding communities. We have had great support from local companies that hire our students as they complete their training at LHS. Currently, we have students working at at least three different companies performing welding, machining, and other shop tasks. Each year, we hold two Advisory Board meetings for manufacturing companies in southwest Michigan—one in the fall and again in the spring. Our fall meeting brought together 13 different manufacturing companies from around the county.

The LEF has helped diversify the educational opportunities for LHS students and has helped students realize they have the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths outside of attending college.