A survey sent to residents in Cheboygan, Otsego and Presque Isle counties was looking for input on what skills middle and high school students should learn before entering the workforce.
The COP Education Service District also sent the survey to identify what jobs and careers are needed throughout the three counties.
The data collected will be used to better cater their career summer camps program to students who are interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades fields, including welding and construction.
"Students that attend those academies are going to get paid for the experience as well, and they include working side by side with folks in the trades with various union training partners and agencies that are out there," said Jamie Huber, superintendent of the ESD. "But then they're also going to go out in the field and experience that as well."
According to a press release from the ESD, the summer camp program collaborates with many organizations like:
- Northeast MI STEM Region
- Industrial Arts Institute
- Northeast Michigan Works
- Northern Michigan Building Trades Association.
Huber said the survey was done due to the program's massive expansion over the last four years, going from just four camps to 14 camps with over 200 student openings.
While the ESD does have a specific group designed to improve those summer camps, according to Huber, the demand from students and parents alike opened an opportunity to receive constructive feedback.
"How do we create more of these types of opportunities," Huber said. "That's ultimately what's led to this survey and a focus on CTE opportunities for our kids across the region."
The last day to turn in the survey to the Education Service District is April 29th.
