Once seen exclusively as a world of manual labor, today’s skilled trades jobs offer a wide array of opportunities for high school students.
According to Pure Michigan Talent Connect, professional trades will account for more than 520,000 jobs in the Michigan economy by 2030. These opportunities exist in a variety of emerging industries including IT, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, and automotive, with many of these fields not requiring a four-year degree.
Recognizing such strong demand for skilled trade talent in Michigan, many public schools have initiated Career and Technical Education programs to support these career paths, allowing students the chance to get a jump start on certifications and apprenticeships.
With a business model centered on supporting Michigan’s public schools, it only made sense for SET SEG to get involved through its philanthropic arm, the SET SEG Foundation.
“As a foundation committed to fostering economic empowerment and supporting pathways to success, we recognize the invaluable contribution of skilled trades professions to our communities and industries,” said Molly Mellema, Executive Director for the SET SEG Foundation.
Supporting a mission centered on helping Michigan public school students advance learning and create opportunities, the SET SEG Foundation has given 20 scholarships, each in the amount of $500, for the past four years. That’s a total of $40,000 invested in Michigan’s skilled trades education.
“Through this scholarship, we aim to empower and uplift students pursuing careers in the skilled trades, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Mellema.
Skilled Trades Scholarships: Filling a Need
For freshman college student Ashton Kohagen, whose father has for years worked to maintain the safety and efficiency of grounds and buildings, a career in facilities management runs in the family, making the choice to pursue a future in the skilled trades an easy one.
“I really benefitted from getting to see my dad on the job,” shared Kohagen. “Just witnessing his work gave me valuable insight into a variety of skills ranging from problem solving and time management to technical skills like HVAC systems, plumbing, and all the elements that make a facility run.”
Originally from Fowler, Michigan, Kohagen received a 2023 Skilled Trades Scholarship from the SET SEG Foundation and has since begun his educational career at Ferris State University. While attending Fowler High School, Kohagen worked for a small construction company and studied construction through Clinton County RESA, opening career and money-making opportunities before pursuing higher education.
Even with these connections, the SET SEG Skilled Trades Scholarship provided additional dollars for assistance with a variety of expenses, such as books, tools, equipment, and tuition.
Kohagen’s exposure to this career path mirrors thousands of others in the state of Michigan, stressing a need for continued support for students pursuing these careers. “I really admire those who work in facilities and how people really rely on them,” said Kohagen. “I want to be that guy.”
2024 Skilled Trades Scholarships and Beyond
Once again, the SET SEG Foundation has offered 20 scholarships of $500 each to high school students pursuing higher education in the skilled trades – winners will be announced next month. The aim is to help revitalize these career paths and support students in their professional pursuits, whether that be in an accredited two- or four-year college program like Kohagen’s, or a technical school or other accredited technical institute.
For SET SEG, putting schools first is a core value, and that includes investing in Michigan public school students for their future success in their careers and beyond.
For more information on the Skilled Trades Scholarship visit setseg.org/tradescholarship. Interested in applying? Keep an eye out for our announcement in February of next year when the 2025 Skilled Trades Scholarship application opens.