RIDE 2 DECIDE

As everyone in our industry knows, the construction trades are suffering daily from the lack of skilled workers. At the current attrition rate, when the next two generations of tradesmen/women retire in 40 years there will be virtually no one to train. This fact not only affects the trades as an industry, but ultimately the consumer and the future of our society.

Brad Krause, President of Service Professor has participated in various work based learning programs in the past but realized he needed to reach potential employees earlier and expose them to the field. In 2018, he came up with the idea to create a “Ride 2 Decide” program for all students in the area to try the trades and see if the fields were a fit for their futures.

We all know that part of the problem is the perception of our industry jobs. By providing an avenue where a student can see first-hand what the jobs entail while getting paid, students can make informed decisions if the trades are right for them.

Employer- What was the best part of the program?

“Teaching fresh, excited, young students about our business.” “Introducing someone new to the trade.” “Students having the opportunity to experience the real work environment.” “Having the opportunity to expose young people to our industry in respect to what the job entails as well as allowing them to see why they may enjoy the career.” “A little extra help when we needed it! Both students were willing workers.”

Students- What was the best part of the program?

“Getting to learn about different trades.” “Working hands on to try it- was great!” “I learned how everything works from the field to the office to using equipment.” “I learned to weld, make ducts, change filters and then went to job sites on deliveries to see how stuff worked and fit together.” “I want to work at this company when I graduate next year.” “Did service calls on AC and generators- Did not know this was a career.”

For many students, college is the answer but for many other students it could be Trade School or an Apprenticeship Program. For other students it may be a combination of on-the- job apprentice training with either Trade School or some specific College courses. Careful planning with all of the right information could save families hard earned dollars, help the economy and potentially give a young person a head start to their future.

The Program Purpose: Pair students with trades to allow them to experience the trade while assisting in paid work functions during their summer school break.

See FOX 17’s Full Article Here

The Mission:

1. Offer options through High Schools and their Administrators to encourage the students that either cannot decide or have not thought about what to do when they graduate from High School to consider our trades.

2. Educate the students and their parents on the benefits of working in the industry including:

   1. Competitive wages, get paid while you train

   2. Seriously reduced training and education fees compared to the average four year college degree

   3. Minimal career obsolescence as society will always need plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical, duct

      cleaning and sealing and sewer work.

   4. Expanded opportunities for career advancement

   5. Flexible hours and mobility, where society is, our careers are needed

The Student Program Student eligibility, student must:

• be at least 16 years of age before starting the program and have completed their sophomore year of high school

• have at least a C average and excellent school attendance

• have reliable transportation to and from work location

• be recommended to the program by an educator, school administrator

• obtain parental permission with a Release for Service Professor and your educational institution

• adhere strictly to the attendance and employment regulations required by the employer and adhere strictly to the MI Child Labor Laws