10 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. SEMCA STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL Over 600 Apprentices Report for the First Day of School The sights and sounds of a trade school in action are officially back as the team kicked off the start of the fall semester at the end of August. More than 600 students, new and returning, filled the classrooms and shop as they settled in for the new year. However, just a few years ago, school enrollment was around 200, so what’s behind the huge increase in students? For Spencer Fackler, a third-year electrical apprentice, it was about choosing a career that avoided struggling with college debt and got him working right away. “I had always thought about going into the trades because no one in my family did and I thought it would be great to be able to fix things, but the cost of school was an added benefit,” Fackler said. “Everyone I know from my high school graduating class who went to college is staring down a path filled with student loans. It’s nice to not have the same issue working in my field while also going to school.” Andy Barnum, director of training and development for Lee Contracting said another reason behind the increase is the respect tradespeople get from society now. Lee Contracting has 19 men and women enrolled in SEMCA’s programs and remains committed to helping newer tradespeople flourish in the industry. The Southeast Michigan Construction Academy’s fall semester is underway across the region. Welding students gear up on the first day getting right to work.
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