Area students to gain insight from manufacturers about professional trades careers on October 6 during Manufacturing Day at Bay College West

Manufacturing Day brings together ninth-grade students from area schools to interact with local manufacturers and learn about professional trade careers.

“Our goal in bringing together students and area employers is to shift perceptions about what it means to work in the professional trades upon graduating high school,” shared Lois Ellis, director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance). “We expect 300 students from Kingsford, Iron Mountain, North Dickinson, Niagara and Norway to be in attendance.”

Manufacturing Day is a national program by The Manufacturing Institute to engage students, parents, educators, and community partners to raise awareness of manufacturers’ vital role in many communities and states across the United States.

Locally, The Alliance, Bay College West, Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center, Michigan Works, and local manufacturers are leading the charge to raise awareness of all the possibilities for high-quality manufacturing careers with students and parents in the Dickinson area.

“Those working in the professional trades play a crucial role in the health of our local economy. We need to shift perspectives about what successful careers look like,” remarked Ellis.

Manufacturing Day is one opportunity for students to explore working in the professional trades. Students will also learn about the dual enrollment educational paths through the Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center and Bay College.

For more information and facts about professional trades careers, visit www.daeda.org/shift.

Central UP Regional Housing Partnership’s Draft Action Plan Review

Are you concerned about housing availability and affordability in the Central Upper Peninsula? The  Central UP Regional Housing Partnership’s Draft Action Plan is available for public review. The draft action plan aligns with Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Statewide Housing Plan to address this issue in Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft Counties.

Your input is crucial. Help us make a difference in our communities by reviewing the draft action plan by September 29th, 2023, 12:00 PM Eastern time. Access the Draft Action Plan and share your thoughts through our feedback survey.

A Tourist Treasure

Business in Focus features our downtown districts and trail networks of the Dickinson area in its April tourism issue. 

We sat down with Mindy Meyers of Downtown Iron Mountain, Dan Stoltman of the City of Norway, and Chad Susott of Dickinson Trail Network to talk about the abundance of economic opportunities, our thriving tourism industry, and various outdoor activities that give the Dickinson region a unique charm.

We highlight all the Dickinson area has to offer visitors, from unique local attractions like the Norway Spring, downtown festivals and events to outdoor recreation, public art installations, and live music and entertainment, contributing to the small-town charm that keeps tourists returning year after year. 

Read the full article to learn more.

SHIFT: Next-Level Career Magazine 2023

2023 Skilled Trade Career Paths Magazine

The Dickinson County Talent & Education Taskforce is excited to release this year’s Next-Level Career Magazine! With the hope of reaching future professionals within and outside of Dickinson County, this magazine was designed for students, teachers, educators, and anyone interested in pursuing a career-oriented future.

Learn about the different career paths, programs, and value career and technical education bring as you scroll through this publication. The 2023 Next-Level Career Magazine will touch on programs from DIISD and Bay College West, as well as provide you with the knowledge of post-education professional opportunities and experiences from local students.

If you’re interested in learning more about Skilled Trade Career Paths, contact Lois Ellis, Executive Director of the DAEDA.