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Jackson Blazer News
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| Chance Enrollment at Career Center Shapes into Life-Long Career |
JacksonBlazer writes, "JACKSON, Mich. – Kevin McGee had no idea that his future was about to be shaped when a high school friend encouraged him to enroll in the Jackson Area Career Center’s machining program over 30 years ago. Every year, over 1,000 students pass through Career Center classes.
Some have focused in on career goals, some are learning skills for a part-time job while in college, some come to explore career opportunities, and others go just to be with their friends. The latter was the case for Kevin McGee. A friend had enrolled in a class at the Career Center in 1977 called “Industrial Machines”."
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McGee was never interested in manufacturing, but enrolled anyway. However, once in the class, he enjoyed working with his hands and learned to operate many kinds of machinery. “With my training at the Career Center, I stepped out of high school and into a job that has lasted over 30 years,” said McGee. “I had enough credits to graduate early from Hanover-Horton High School and went to work right away for Main & Company.”
Little did he know it would be one of the best decisions he ever made. McGee has spent his entire career working with the same company in the manufacturing – an industry where some would say there is little security and is plagued with layoffs and shutdowns.
“This company has been good to me. We have been productive. There have been ups and downs, but I have never been laid off,” said McGee. “I have moved up the ladder from simple inspection, deliveries, and lawn maintenance – to inspection, gage and finishing technician.” Soon after high school, McGee also met his wife, Annie Lowe.
She is a former Western High School student who attended the Career Center’s horticulture/floriculture class. The McGees were among the first students to attend the Career Center in the 1977-78 school year. “I love this job and have no idea what I would have done without it,” said McGee. “I’m thankful for the Career Center and the programs there.”
This fall, Jackson Area Career Center will enter its 32nd year of developing young, skilled talent. Each year, some 1,200 students take advantage of the skill and technology training programs available to all students in Jackson County. The Career Center is a service of Jackson County Intermediate School District and is an option for 11th and 12th grade students.
The Center’s staff works in conjunction with local school counselors, teachers and administrators to find the best fit for students seeking this elective. For more information on these career and technical programs, call Career Center Principal Patty Horning at 768-5163 or contact a local school counselor.
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Posted on Jul 01, 2008 01:02am.
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