Redefining Success: Mishawaka High School Students Explore High-Paying Skilled Trades

Students get hands on experience with operating a crane. photo courtesy of Jennifer Smith

For a high school student facing the pressure of report cards, GPAs and college entrance exams, the traditional path to success often feels single- tracked. However,the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association visited Mishawaka High School students and delivered a clear, refreshing message: you don't need to have perfect grades in high school to get a high paying, rewarding career.

A hands-on CTE workforce event called “40 Schools for 40 Years” celebrated 40 years of the association and featured local trade representatives from the Ironworkers Union local 292 explaining to MHS students what it takes to get into the skilled labor workforce. At a time when recent graduates are struggling to find adequate paying jobs, Lift Solutions vice president and event organizer Tony Fastuca said, “We have over six million skilled labor jobs that we can't fill. And every day it just increases.” He continued,”These are important jobs of operating equipment that's going to be doing things that are productive for our country. Whether it's building a building, a bridge, a nuclear power plant, a data center, you name it. It's what's going on right now all around you.  

Students listened to Hayden Mazurak and John James from the Ironworkers Union. photo courtesy:Jennifer Smith

Often students worry about their academics and the cost of post secondary education.  “You could be the worst student,but as long as you got your high school diploma and your  birth certificate, that's all you need to apply," said Hayden Mazurak, 24, and a six year veteran in The trade. “As long as you show up and you're dedicated to wanting to learn, trades will do good in your life.” Mazuruk entered the trade right after high school and, through persistence and dedication, he established a secure career with health benefits. 

Twelve year rigging veteran John James said, “ A report card doesn't define your future; your work ethic, willingness to learn and commitment to master a trade will.” James highlighted that the four years of iron

workers program covers everything “ It's all paid for. All of it -not a dime out of anybody's pocket.It is all paid for by grant money through district council. ” 

James explained exactly what ironworkers and riggers do everyday. “Our work is all covered up pretty much. Handrail fencing, that's ornamental as well. Our reinforcing side of ironwork is rebar. It's in bridges. Ones that you drive on every single day and don't even know it. There's steel underneath that concrete. It bonds the concrete together and holds its rigidity and strength.”James emphasized the need, “We are riggers by skill set. And what that means is we can go anywhere in the country as iron workers. But we can go anywhere in the world, as riggers. There's probably a dozen riggers in this country. “

MHS teacher Julie Fisette worked with Fastuca to bring the event to MHS.  Only 40 schools across the country will host the association and build networking opportunities for their students for the future. Fastuca hopes to make this an annual event.