A joint program that helps students in the Detroit area explore career opportunities in manufacturing is now in its 10th year. Known as School to Work, the program is a partnership between Stellantis, International Union, UAW, and the Hazel Park School District.
Selected juniors and seniors split their time between classroom instruction and training at the UAW-FCA Joint Programs Center (JPC) in Warren, Michigan, where they explore modern manufacturing technologies and develop new skills. Since the program began, nearly 90 students have graduated.
“Together with the UAW and Hazel Park Schools, we teach technical skills along with communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and personal responsibility—lessons that will serve students in all career fields.” - Lori Otis, JPC School to Work program director.
During their junior year, students develop workplace, communication, and life skills while learning the fundamentals of manufacturing. As seniors, they are introduced to skilled trades through hands-on training in robotics, electrical systems, machine shop operations, sheet metal fabrication, tool and die, computer numerical control, and welding.
Senior projects include building chessboards through woodworking and creating chess pieces with CNC machines.
Chris Benedetto, the School to Work teacher liaison who has led the program since the beginning, said that when students connect classroom lessons to the real world, they understand just how far the skills they are learning can take them.
“The program opens the door to careers they may not have considered and helps them make informed choices about their future.” - Chris Benedetto, School to Work Teacher Liaison
Students apply and are selected through an interview process. After graduation, they may continue their education, pursue manufacturing or skilled-trades careers, or use the experience as a foundation for opportunities in another field.
