Courtesy photo Building Trades leaders are shown with the three Construction Connect UP students. They are, from left, Michigan Building Trades Council President Steve Claywell, Tyler Smith of Escanaba High School, UPCC Executive Director Mike Smith, Lexi Vross of Kingsford High School, Michigan Building Trades Council Field Representative Ryan Stern, Kaiden Brown of Escanaba High School, and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Regional Director Brian Kerrigan.

HARRIS The Upper Peninsula Construction Council announced an innovative new program on Saturday called Construction Connect UP.

“CCUP gives qualified high school seniors an outstanding academic education while instilling in them an understanding of the world of work and the skills necessary for competing in the construction industry,” said Mike Smith, UPCC executive director.

The UPCC collaborated with our Signatory Contractors & UP Building Trades Unions, UP Michigan Works, Delta-Schoolcraft ISD, Dickinson-Iron ISD and Marquette-Alger Regional Education Services Agency to develop a program that is skill-based, labor- and industry-approved and directly linked to real workplace situations. Students attend school in the mornings, then spend the afternoons working, learning – and earning – on job sites.

CCUP is operating as a pilot program for the second semester of this school year, with three students from Escanaba and one student from Kingsford. In May, students who successfully complete the program may be “drafted” into building trades apprenticeships.

A full program will follow for the 2023-24 school year.

“The demand for skilled construction workers is growing in the U.P., with exciting projects like Billerud in Escanaba and the Soo Locks, and the renewable energy and electrification efforts coming in the future,” Smith said. “We are creating pathways for high school students to consider a wider variety of career options. In the union trades, you earn while you learn, and graduate debt free with a skill that can take you anywhere.”

Following the announcement, the UPCC held its annual Apprentice of the Year banquet at the Island Resort and Casino to recognize outstanding apprentices in the U.P. construction industry. Twenty-two apprentices were nominated for the title. The winner received $1,000, and two finalists each received $500.

The winners are:

Apprentice of the Year – Kale O’Neil – Millwrights Local 1510

O’Neil began his apprenticeship in May of 2018 and completed in June of 2022. He is known as a leader amongst his peers who shows up early to work and ensures everyone works safely utilizing OSHA principals.

Finalist – Jesse McGovern – UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111

McGovern began his apprenticeship in April of 2019 and is expected to complete in April of 2024. He is respected by his peers as a leader who ensures everyone he works with exercises the required safety so they can go home safely to their families at the end of the day. He is passionate about his craft and hopes one day to train the next generation.

Finalist – Reghan Lakowmowski – Ironworkers Local 8

Lakowmowski began her apprenticeship in February of 2020 and is expected to complete in February of 2024. She is known as a team player who exhibits professionalism and takes great pride in her craft. Reghan is incredibly reliable and leads her peers by example.

The selection panel was made up of James Ebli, Gundlach Champion, Inc. retired; Roxanne Daust, president and COO, Range Bank; Don Maki, commissioner, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; Mike Fornetti, Mead/WE Energies retired; and Mike Andary assistant professor, TAS, Construction Management Northern Michigan University.

Sponsors of the event include: 44 North, Aquila Michigan, Associated General Contractors Michigan, B & B Electrical Contractors, Billy Electric, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Closner Construction Co., CR Meyer, Eagle Mine, Enbridge, Gundlach Champion, Inc, Int Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 906 JATC, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 906, Ironworkers Local 8, JP Electric, Lakehead Construction Inc, M.J. Electric, Master Electric, MI Building and Construction Trades Council, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters & Millwrights Local 1510, Miron Construction Company, OK Industrial, Operating Engineers Local 324, Operating Engineers Local 324 LMEC Committee, Painter & Allied Trades DC7 Labor, Management Cooperation Trust Fund, Payne & Dolan, Power Project Services, Prime Specialty Contracting, Range Bank, Sheet Metal AC Contractors National Association – MI Chapter, Sheet Metal Workers Local 7, TIC, International Corporation, U.P. Mechanical Contractors Association, UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111 and UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 111 JATC.