This school year, Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) students are gaining real-world experience in engineering, I.T., and business—all while still in high school. They were hired by their employers through the UpSkill apprenticeship program, led by Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI).
The UpSkill program is a two- to three-year commitment between students and employers. Students work a limited number of hours per week to gain career skills while balancing their school schedules and earning a paycheck.
Building her future
Van Hnem, a senior at Bloomington High School North (BHSN), is working as an electrical engineering intern at the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI). She is designing her first project for PARI using the AutoCAD skills she is learning in her engineering class through the Hoosier Hills Career Center.
“After I graduate, I want to be an engineer,” said Hnem. “My teacher, Mr. Meyers, told me about this apprenticeship program, and I thought it would be a wonderful way to start learning more about electrical engineering if I wanted to go down that path. I thought PARI would be the perfect opportunity.”
She identified Purdue University as a top college choice, among other universities also known for their engineering programs.
“Before electrical engineering, I wanted to be a civil engineer. But right now, I’m pushing back all specific plans just in case this internship goes really well,” she said.
Hnem developed an interest in engineering at a young age. Discovering the building process through Minecraft, she said, first inspired her interest.
“I loved the building process. I thought it was super cool to see what I envisioned turn into something, and that’s why I wanted to be an engineer,” she said.
Through BHSN and the Hoosier Hills Career Center, Hnem is pursuing the Project Lead the Way engineering pathway, which has allowed her to take multiple engineering courses in high school.
“In Intro. To Engineering and Principles of Engineering, we had a lot of group collaboration and a lot of independent work, and I really enjoyed that,” said Hnem. “We went into the workshop and actually built things using AutoCAD. It is a struggle when you first start, but the more you use it, the easier it gets.”
Hnem said she recommends the UpSkill program to her friends.
“I tell my friends about the pay, and they’re shocked about it. In addition to that, it’s been fantastic,” said Hnem. “Over the summer, I met a lot of other students with similar interests in the UpSkill program through the welcome orientation. We also got more opportunities to develop our skills.”
Pursuing multiple pathways
BHSN junior Zach Schmidt is working as an I.T. apprentice at Tasus. There, he is helping with computer repair and related tasks.
“I’m currently taking a computer repair and maintenance class, which is what I’m doing at work,” said Schmidt. “I’ve also done everything from helping to run network cable to disassembling hard drives.”
Schmidt’s apprenticeship offers him flexibility as he finishes school. When he is a senior, he is looking forward to increasing his hours to work half days.
“I used to work more hours, but on Thursdays I have Civil Air Patrol, and since I started doing after-school clubs, I now just work two days,” said Schmidt.
He is confident that his coursework and experience at Tasus are preparing him for his future.
“I’m working for a multinational corporation because Tasus is owned by the Tsuchiya Group,” said Schmidt. “That’s enough merit in itself, but through the UpSkill program I’ve also earned the CompTIA A+ Certification, which is a baseline requirement for any I.T. position.”
Schmidt is pursuing the computer science pathway at BHSN and the Project Lead the Way engineering pathway through BHSN and the Hoosier Hills Career Center. He is taking dual credit courses to earn both high school and college credit while pursuing both fields.
“I saw the Introduction to Engineering class in the curriculum guide when I was in eighth grade, and I saw the opportunity for dual credit, so I signed up for it. I liked it, so I decided to do engineering all four years,” said Schmidt.
He hopes to attend Daytona State College or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University after graduation.
Schmidt advises students considering apprenticeships that it is a big change from school.
“It’s such a big jump going to regular work hours … but it’s experience and earning a good wage at 16 — it’s not bad,” said Schmidt.
Staying local a priority
BHSN junior Ghita Oskouie is now employed as a customer service specialist at German American Bank through the UpSkill program.
“This internship has put me on the right path forward. It’s a huge responsibility for someone my age and I think it’s going to help me in the future,” said Oskouie. “I think I’m more prepared in my confidence. Because it’s such a responsible job, I think it also helps me with my public speaking. Knowing how to start conversations with customers and co-workers will also help me with networking.”
Oskouie has been preparing to graduate from high school early so she can pursue a college degree in business or accounting next year.
“I want to stay local. I want to be able to continue my apprenticeship,” said Oskouie. “I definitely want to go to IU Bloomington. I already applied, so we’ll see how that goes.”
MCCSC students are encouraged to enhance their learning through apprenticeships, dual credit courses, and other opportunities. High school students can contact their school’s counseling office to learn about work-based learning opportunities and other ways they can prepare for their futures.
