Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center and Michigan Sugar Company recently formed a new partnership to offer work-based learning opportunities to Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center students. Under this collaboration, Career Center students enrolled in welding and precision machining programs will work alongside skilled Michigan Sugar Company craftsmen in equivalent career fields.

Leaders of Michigan Sugar Company and Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center with student participants of the new program at this week’s partnership signing.

“We’re committed to providing opportunities to get students career-ready and college-prepared, and this exciting new partnership will help provide a seamless transition into high-wage, high-skill, in-demand careers,” says ISD Superintendent Deb Kadish. “Michigan Sugar Company is a major employer in our community, and we appreciate the company for lending time and expertise to give a leg up to the next generation.”

“Michigan Sugar Company depends on a highly talented workforce, and hiring locally is a cornerstone of our partnership with the community – so working together with the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center is a win-win,” says Ray VanDriessche, community relations director for Michigan Sugar. “Our local schools are second to none when it comes to preparing students for a career, and we hope to lend some additional expertise.”

The Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center offers 23 programs that give students the opportunity to engage in project-based learning, earn both college credit and professional certifications while still in high school and gain valuable work experience at local businesses. Employers value Career Center students due their technical skills and abilities that allow them to contribute to the workplace immediately.

The new agreement with Michigan Sugar Company will allow students to fine tune their skills, while also helping Michigan Sugar to build its talent pipeline and identify talent for career opportunities. VanDriessche noted that Michigan Sugar employs hundreds of full-time local workers in high-skill trades, in Bay County and throughout Michigan’s Thumb and Saginaw Valley.

An official partnership signing took place April 26 with Michigan Sugar Company community relations director Ray VanDriessche, along with Bay-Arenac ISD Superintendent Deb Kadish; Principal, Linda Engelhardt; and Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Tiffany Sheppard.

To learn more contact: Tiffany Sheppard, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center office: (989) 667-3265, [email protected].