Investing in Hands-On Learning to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce

Becker Public Schools has expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings with the support of a CTE Equipment Mini-Grant from Resource Training & Solutions. Thanks to this funding, students now have access to new equipment that enhances hands-on learning in sheet metal fabrication, preparing them for future careers in manufacturing and skilled trades.

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Enhancing Hands-On Learning in Sheet Metal Fabrication

Alex Jurek, Industrial Technology Educator at Becker High School, developed a new course focused on sheet metal fabrication for students in grades 10-12. The course goes beyond basic metalworking, incorporating forming, fastening, and welding techniques that mirror industry practices.

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"I want to introduce students to the processes involved in cutting, bending, forming, and fastening sheet metal," Jurek explained. "The goal is to connect students to real-life skills and potential career paths, especially in industries like HVAC that are actively seeking workers with these capabilities."

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Expanding Career Connections

By the end of the 2024-25 school year, this new program is expected to benefit approximately 100 students, equipping them with foundational skills that align with workforce demands. The school is also building connections with local industry partners to provide students with exposure to real-world applications and career opportunities.

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Transforming the Fabrication Lab

With the grant funding, Becker High School invested in a new cutting station for its Fabrication Lab, significantly improving the efficiency and precision of metalworking processes. "We now have precise ways to cut our material, whether steel or aluminum, in a more efficient manner with less post-process cleanup," Jurek said.

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For many students, this is their first experience working with professional-grade metal fabrication equipment. The cutting station allows them to develop hands-on skills that are directly applicable to industry jobs, making them more competitive as they enter the workforce or pursue further education in technical fields.

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Building Workforce-Ready Skills

The upgraded equipment enhances learning in Becker High School’s metals and engineering design courses, providing students with valuable experience in manufacturing processes. By focusing on the skills required for careers in sheet metal work, the program introduces students to trade pathways that align with regional workforce needs.

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"We want students to understand that these skills are not just useful in class—they can lead to real job opportunities," Jurek emphasized. "By partnering with local companies, we’re helping students see the relevance and value of what they’re learning."

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A Lasting Impact

Thanks to the CTE Equipment Mini-Grant from Resource Training & Solutions, Becker Public Schools has created a hands-on learning environment that bridges the gap between education and industry. This investment ensures that students have the tools and training needed to succeed in high-demand technical careers, strengthening both their futures and the regional workforce.

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More About CTE Mini-Grants

Resource Training & Solutions, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Education and other educational service cooperatives, provides CTE Mini-Grants to support career and technical education initiatives within our nine-county region. These grants offer up to $5,000 to help schools enhance hands-on learning opportunities, connect students to local industry partners, and support educators pursuing CTE licensure.

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Eligible projects include job shadowing programs, new CTE courses, industry tours, internships, apprenticeships, teacher externships, and more. To qualify, projects must include at least one high school and a business or higher education partner while addressing local workforce needs.

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For more information about CTE Mini-Grants, contact:

Alison Orgaard, CTE Manager
📧 aorgaard@resourcecoop-mn.gov
📞 (320) 266-5640

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