Adrian Daily Telegram: Tech Center celebrates welding program's expanded classroom
January 24, 2017
ADRIAN - Students in the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center's welding technology program now have more room and the latest technology to prepare them for their careers.
The Tech Center had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to celebrate the trade building's classroom expansion. The event was attended by U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton; State Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian; State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida; Michigan Talent and Economic Development Director Roger Curtis; and Lenawee County business and school representatives.
The course instructors and students were presented a tribute by Kahle from Gov. Rick Snyder recognizing the program's expansion.
The welding and advanced manufacturing addition, built over the past year, was doubled to 50-by-103 feet, while the new building trades floor space was expanded to 31-by-60 feet. The projects were part of $2.1 million in funding directed at the Tech Center's main building, as well as $76,000 in grant money from the state.
Walberg said manufacturers across his district have been asking for workers like the Tech Center is producing and he applauds the center's "forward thinking."
"A training center like this that has long been on the forefront making sure people are trained in real-world opportunities and this (classroom) will only enhance it," Walberg said.
LISD Superintendent Mark Haag said the county is fortunate to have the support from the taxpayers for its programs at the Tech Center
"This used capital project funds and was completed at no debt to the district," Haag said.
A new plasma cutter and 20 welding stations - up from 10 - were added to the machinery, officials said.
Zorn said the state has "over 90,000 jobs waiting to be filled" by skilled workers.
"It is important we give our kids any opportunities we can give them," Zorn said. "Without those opportunities, they may miss their life calling."
This article originally appeared in the January 24 edition of the Adrian Daily Telegram.
The Tech Center had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to celebrate the trade building's classroom expansion. The event was attended by U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton; State Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian; State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida; Michigan Talent and Economic Development Director Roger Curtis; and Lenawee County business and school representatives.
The course instructors and students were presented a tribute by Kahle from Gov. Rick Snyder recognizing the program's expansion.
The welding and advanced manufacturing addition, built over the past year, was doubled to 50-by-103 feet, while the new building trades floor space was expanded to 31-by-60 feet. The projects were part of $2.1 million in funding directed at the Tech Center's main building, as well as $76,000 in grant money from the state.
Walberg said manufacturers across his district have been asking for workers like the Tech Center is producing and he applauds the center's "forward thinking."
"A training center like this that has long been on the forefront making sure people are trained in real-world opportunities and this (classroom) will only enhance it," Walberg said.
LISD Superintendent Mark Haag said the county is fortunate to have the support from the taxpayers for its programs at the Tech Center
"This used capital project funds and was completed at no debt to the district," Haag said.
A new plasma cutter and 20 welding stations - up from 10 - were added to the machinery, officials said.
Zorn said the state has "over 90,000 jobs waiting to be filled" by skilled workers.
"It is important we give our kids any opportunities we can give them," Zorn said. "Without those opportunities, they may miss their life calling."
This article originally appeared in the January 24 edition of the Adrian Daily Telegram.
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