Watch the video we submitted to the Office of Career and Technical Education about the award!
Watch our video about the Lineworker Program!
The Michigan Department of Education recently recognized Char-Em ISD and Boyne City Public Schools with an award of excellence for the popular lineworker program housed at Boyne City High School.
The Michigan Office of Career and Technical Education announced on April 6, 2021, that the ISD and Boyne City Public Schools are a recipient of the Career and Technical Education Outstanding Program award for the Energy Fundamentals: Lineworker Emphasis program at BCHS.
Each year the state Office of Career and Technical Education recognizes excellence in career and technical education programming in Michigan’s schools and ISDs. In recognition of these achievements, a special awards ceremony will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 21.
“Our partner schools like Boyne City and our Career Tech staff work tirelessly to develop initiatives that benefit students and help them along a pathway to career and college success,” said Jim Rummer, Director of Career and Technical Education for Char-Em ISD.
Rummer noted that the lineworker program has continued to receive considerable recognition from around the state for its unique approach to training the next generation of lineworkers. Students learn from lineworkers from Great Lakes Energy, and they train on the actual GLE training grounds near the high school. That includes climbing poles and troubleshooting mock emergencies year round, in all types of conditions. Classroom work takes place at BCHS.
“The lineworker program is indeed outstanding in every way, from the instructors to the students who benefit most from the class,” said Pat Little, Superintendent of Boyne City Public Schools. “BCPS would also like to recognize our strategic community partner, Great Lakes Energy, who continues to directly support the development of the Energy Fundamentals program. Also, a special thanks to the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors and leadership for their ongoing support.”
The ISD received a second state honor in the Excellence in Career and College Readiness Initiative category, for its Career Tech to Careers program, where students who have entered the workforce after high school graduation are recognized at official signing events.
“Your programs exemplify the highest standards in preparing Michigan’s students for postsecondary education and careers,” said Brian L. Pyles, Director, Office of Career and Technical Education for MDE. “You should be very proud of this significant achievement. I commend you for your valuable contribution and your vision, expertise and teamwork in creating and sustaining such an exemplary practice in career education.”
Along with the lineworker program, Char-Em ISD and its partner districts offer 17 different Career and Technical Education courses across all 11 public school districts in the ISD. Students from any high school can attend any career tech program at any district.
To learn more about the CTE programs and to also view the students and businesses who have been recognized as part of the Career Tech to Careers features, visit www.charemisd.org