PESHTIGO—Peshtigo High School currently has junior and senior students learning while they work in more than 30 local businesses.

“Our area businesses are literally our partners in our vocational studies program,” said teacher and Vocational Coordinator Dan Vanidestine, who receives input from local business leaders to design the curriculum. “We have listened to their concerns and needs to help shape the Vocational Studies Program.”

“Our goal is to have students ready for entry level positions in their chosen fields by graduation,” Vanidestine continued.

He explained that Peshtigo’s Vocational Studies Program starts in the spring of the student’s junior year and continues during the entire senior year. “Each vocational studies student is expected to have completed a minimum of three work certifications matching each student’s chosen career field.”

Two of the work certifications taught include the Snap-on Precision Measurement Instruments (PMI) certification and the Mike Rowe Works (MRW) Work Ethics certification. The Snap-on’s PMI certification which requires students to complete 32 hours of instruction, which includes six modules of measurement including tape and rule, slide caliper, gauge, angle, micrometer and dial gauge measurement.

These skills prepare students for careers in many fields like automotive, construction trades, millwright and machine and tool work.

The MRW certification focuses on teaching students work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification and a positive attitude. Mike Rowe, most well known for his “Dirty Jobs” television series, created work readiness certification centered around these four pillars.

One of the local businesses who employs a Peshtigo student through this program is All American Dream Homes. Peshtigo senior Ethan Barggren “comes to school excited to share what he’s learning in the home construction field and is very serious about making construction his career choice,” Vanidestine shares. “I’m not so sure that would be the case if he didn’t have such a positive experience with the folks at All American Dream Homes.”

The trades are a hidden treasure and so essential to our economy. The future of our community is dependent on youth having interest in the trades and other local businesses.”

All American Dream Homes manager Megan Van Beek-Graef and owner John Van Beek explained that we have a huge shortage of anyone in the trades right now. She stated that having Ethan work there has been a “breath of fresh air.” All American Dream Homes has been in business in Peshtigo since 2003, built hundreds of homes and now employs 10 people.

Megan adds, “We hope to have more students interested in this industry learn and grow with us.”

The Peshtigo School District is committed to partnering with local businesses. The goal for the program is for each student to earn an industry recognized NC3 Certificate prior to graduation.

Vanidestine is grateful to all the business partners who work with the Peshtigo High School Vocational Program, which numbers more than 30. Some of those businesses include Badger Paper Mill, PHC Inc., Caterpillar, Lemke Heating and Cooling, Evergreen Tool Co. Inc. and Waupaca Foundry.

“Thank you for investing in our students’ futures,” Vanidestine said.