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Technology and Trades on the Prairie 2019 Career Institute

Technology and Trades on the Prairie 2019 Career Institute
Technology and Trades on the Prairie (TTOP) is committed to providing unique opportunities for students to explore, experience, and excel in the technical skills needed for our workforce, today and tomorrow. We envision meeting regional workforce needs through industry, education, and community partnerships committed to increasing student awareness of technology and trades careers in Southwest Minnesota. One of TTOP’s premier events is its annual Career Institute.

TTOP’s 2019 Career Institute (3rd Annual) will be held at the Orrin S. Estebo Career Development & Training Center located in the Redwood Valley High School in Redwood Falls, MN on Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 and Wednesday, July 17th, 2019 from 8:00AM to 3:30PM. The first day of the Career Institute will kick off with a Keynote Speaker, Dr. Michael Monroe Kiefer. Dr. Michael Monroe Kiefer emphasizes work ethic and is instantly recognized, respected and liked. Work ethic is an unusual quality possessed by relatively few, but also easily learned. His inspirational keynote speech provides the basis for developing a personal code of high work ethic along with some entertaining examples!

Each year, the Career Institute provides interactive skill performances for various careers within the technology and trade sectors for students in grades 7 to 12. This year’s careers to be explored include Surgical Technician, Dental Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, Energy, Carpentry, Powersports/Automotive Technician, Law Enforcement, Welding, Plumbing, Vet Technician, Precision Ag/Drones, Livestock Operations, and more.

Increasing student interest in local careers and building connections for students and business through support and engagement of one another is an outcome we seek from the Career Institute. We believe the Career Institute has the capacity to help build connections between students and employers, while also encouraging students to remain or return to the area ultimately creating a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates for our local business.

We are inviting business, community members, parents, educators, and more to come over to observe and learn more about how you, your business, student, or school can be part of the 2020 Career Institute or support Technology and Trades on the Prairie’s goals and objectives. Please rsvp by July 5th to [email protected] if you plan on attending the 2019 Career Institute and participating in lunch.

We are enthusiastic about our third year and have reached our maximum amount of registrants (100) for the 2019 Career Institute. We are accepting additional applications which will be placed on the waiting list, if you are interested. Because there is a waiting list, current registered applicants are asked to email [email protected] if they are no longer able to attend no later than July 5th, respectively.

About Technology and Trades on the Prairie, Inc.

Technology and Trades on the Prairie (TTOP) is committed to providing unique opportunities for students to explore, experience, and excel in the technical skills needed for our workforce, today and tomorrow. We envision regional workforce needs met through industry, education, and community partnerships committed to increasing student success in Southwest Minnesota technology and trades careers.

To be a part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

• Developing Career Institutes that create an awareness among high school students of career opportunities focused on technology and trades in Southwest Minnesota.
• Providing scholarships to encourage and support students in pursuit of careers requiring technical education.
• Providing opportunities for local employers to interact with and support students as their potential future workforce, promoting the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.

Outcomes we Seek:

• Meeting local workforce needs through industry, education, and community partnerships that support our region’s young adults.
• Creating a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates for our regional workforce.
• Building connections for graduating students that encourage them to remain or to return to the area.

Board Members of TTOP include: Sadie Reiners (Treasurer)- Farmward Cooperative (Morgan); Pauline Nickel- University of Minnesota Retired Professor (Lamberton); Ally Carlson-Redwood Valley Schools (Redwood Falls); Pat Dingels- RADC (Redwood Falls); and Eriann Faris-Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (Marshall, Montevideo, Worthington).

Technology and Trades on the Prairie is made possible by: Farmers Union Industries Foundation; Farmward Cooperative & AgQuest; Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative; MinnWest Bank; Thrivent Financial; CoBank; Cenex Harvest States (CHS); Redwood Area Learning Center; Land O’ Lakes; and The Southwest Initiative Foundation.

Technology & Trades on the Prairie is incorporated and a 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF).

Contact Information
For more information check out Technology and Trades on the Prairie website at www.prairiecareers.com or follow with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/prairiecareers. You can also contact TTOP by emailing us at [email protected].

2018 Career Institute

For Immediate Release:
Jackie Edwards, Technology & Trades on the Prairie
[email protected]

Technology and Trades on the Prairie Announces 2018 Career Institute

Redwood Falls, MN: Technology and Trades on the Prairie will be hosting their 2nd Annual Career Institute on July 17-18 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Farmward Cooperative in Morgan, MN. Students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to register and experience skills required for careers in agronomics, health care, industrial technology, computer technology, video production and more using hands on skills and simulation labs. Enroll today as registrations will be closing on July 6th. This event is FREE to all students that register, students will also receive lunch and snacks throughout the event.

Let the 2018 Career Institute help you decide what your future looks like!

About Technology and Trades on the Prairie:

Technology and Trades on the Prairie is promoting the economic vitality of careers in the technology and trades industries in Southwest Minnesota. Meeting current and future local workforce needs through strong partnerships between businesses, communities, academic institutions and others committed to Southwest Minnesota sustainability. Technology and Trades on the Prairie is part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

  • Creating an awareness among high school students and 18-29 year old’s of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors of Southwest Minnesota.
  • Providing the means for employers in industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.
  • Encouraging graduating students to remain or to return to the area.
  • Partnering with employers, academic institutions, and other groups dedicated to improving the vitality of SW MN to create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates.

Technology & Trades on the Prairie is incorporated and a 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF).

For more information about us please visit: prairiecareers.com.

Springfield Scholarship Recipients

Redwood Falls, MN: Technology and Trades on the Prairie is excited to announce sixteen scholarship recipients for 2018. These students are representing the schools of: Redwood Valley, Renville County West, Springfield, Wabasso, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Cedar Mountain, and Red Rock Central. All scholarship recipients will be continuing their education through a technical or trade school of their choice and we wish each of them the “Best of Luck” with their next journey in life.

LaCole Weisensel, Springfield, a 2018 Scholarship Recipient. LaCole plans to attend Rochester Community & Technical College this fall pursing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Requisite).

Andrea Hoffman, Springfield, a 2018 Scholarship Recipient. Andrea plans to attend South Central College this fall pursuing a degree in Computer Integrated Machining.

Cheyanne Hammerschmidt, Springfield, a 2018 Scholarship Recipient. Cheyanne plans to attend Technical & Community College this fall pursuing a degree in Nursing.

Technology and Trades on the Prairie is made possible by the following:
Farmers Union Industries Foundation, Farmward Cooperative, AgQuest, Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative, Minnwest Bank, Thrivent, CoBank, CHS, Redwood Area Learning Center, and Southwest Initiative Foundation.
LaCole, Andrea, Cheyanne Scholarship Recipients

About Technology and Trades on the Prairie:
Technology and Trades on the Prairie is promoting the economic vitality of careers in the technology and trades industries in Southwest Minnesota. Meeting current and future local workforce needs through strong partnerships between businesses, communities, academic institutions and others committed to Southwest Minnesota sustainability. Technology and Trades on the Prairie is part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

  • Creating an awareness among high school students and 18-29 year old’s of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors of Southwest Minnesota.
  • Providing the means for employers in industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.
  • Encouraging graduating students to remain or to return to the area.
  • Partnering with employers, academic institutions, and other groups dedicated to improving the vitality of SW MN to create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates.

Technology & Trades on the Prairie is incorporated and a 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF).

For more information about us please visit: https://prairiecareers.com.

Cedar Mountain Scholarship Recipients

Redwood Falls, MN: Technology and Trades on the Prairie is excited to announce sixteen scholarship recipients for 2018. These students are representing the schools of: Redwood Valley, Renville County West, Springfield, Wabasso, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Cedar Mountain, and Red Rock Central. All scholarship recipients will be continuing their education through a technical or trade school of their choice and we wish each of them the “Best of Luck” with their next journey in life.

Derek Marlow, Cedar Mountain, is a 2018 Scholarship Recipient. Derek plans to attend MN West Community & Technical College this fall pursuing a degree in Diesel Mechanics.

Taylor Rose, Cedar Mountain, is also a 2018 Scholarship Recipient. Taylor plans to attend Ridgewater Community & Technical College this fall pursuing a degree in Agriculture.

Technology and Trades on the Prairie is made possible by the following:
Farmers Union Industries Foundation, Farmward Cooperative, AgQuest, Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative, Minnwest Bank, Thrivent, CoBank, CHS, Redwood Area Learning Center, and Southwest Initiative Foundation.

Cedar Mountain recipients Taylor Rose and Derek Marlow
About Technology and Trades on the Prairie:
Technology and Trades on the Prairie is promoting the economic vitality of careers in the technology and trades industries in Southwest Minnesota. Meeting current and future local workforce needs through strong partnerships between businesses, communities, academic institutions and others committed to Southwest Minnesota sustainability. Technology and Trades on the Prairie is part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

  • Creating an awareness among high school students and 18-29 year old’s of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors of Southwest Minnesota.
  • Providing the means for employers in industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.
  • Encouraging graduating students to remain or to return to the area.
  • Partnering with employers, academic institutions, and other groups dedicated to improving the vitality of SW MN to create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates.

Technology & Trades on the Prairie is incorporated and a 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF).

For more information about us please visit: https://prairiecareers.com.

RCW Scholarship Recipients

Redwood Falls, MN: Technology and Trades on the Prairie is excited to announce sixteen scholarship recipients for 2018. These students are representing the schools of: Redwood Valley, Renville County West, Springfield, Wabasso, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Cedar Mountain, and Red Rock Central. All scholarship recipients will be continuing their education through a technical or trade school of their choice and we wish each of them the “Best of Luck” with their next journey in life.

Nathan Serbus, Renville County West is a 2018 Scholarship Recipient. Nathan plans to attend Ridgewater Community and Technical College this fall pursuing a degree in Agriculture.

Taylor Wertish, Renville County West is also a 2018 Scholarship Recipient. Taylor plans to attend Ridgewater Community & Technical College this fall pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technician.

Technology and Trades on the Prairie is made possible by the following:
Farmers Union Industries Foundation, Farmward Cooperative, AgQuest, Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative, Minnwest Bank, Thrivent, CoBank, CHS, Redwood Area Learning Center, and Southwest Initiative Foundation.

About Technology and Trades on the Prairie:
Technology and Trades on the Prairie is promoting the economic vitality of careers in the technology and trades industries in Southwest Minnesota. Meeting current and future local workforce needs through strong partnerships between businesses, communities, academic institutions and others committed to Southwest Minnesota sustainability. Technology and Trades on the Prairie is part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

  • Creating an awareness among high school students and 18-29 year old’s of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors of Southwest Minnesota.
  • Providing the means for employers in industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.
  • Encouraging graduating students to remain or to return to the area.
  • Partnering with employers, academic institutions, and other groups dedicated to improving the vitality of SW MN to create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates.

Technology & Trades on the Prairie is incorporated and a 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF).

For more information about us please visit: https://prairiecareers.com.

Scholarship Recipient – Amanda Johnson

For Immediate Release:
Jackie Edwards, Technology & Trades on the Prairie
[email protected]

Technology and Trades on the Prairie Announces Scholarship Recipients
Redwood Falls, MN: Technology and Trades on the Prairie is excited to announce sixteen scholarship recipients for 2018. These students are representing the schools of: Redwood Valley, Renville County West, Springfield, Wabasso, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Cedar Mountain, and Red Rock Central. All scholarship recipients will be continuing their education through a technical or trade school of their choice and we wish each of them the “Best of Luck” with their next journey in life.

Amanda Johnson, Redwood Valley Senior, will be attending Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester, a two-year tech and trade school and majoring in Veterinary Technology. Amanda says, “I very much enjoy learning about different types of animals and I learn best with hands-on activities, which are a big part of RCTC.” Both the Technology and Trades on the Prairie Career Institute program last that she attended, and the Careers Class at her high school that she is currently enrolled in, have helped her to make the decision to attend a two-year tech and trade school.

Technology and Trades on the Prairie is made possible by the following:
Farmers Union Industries Foundation, Farmward Cooperative, AgQuest, Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative, Minnwest Bank, Thrivent, CoBank, CHS, Redwood Area Learning Center, and Southwest Initiative Foundation

About Technology and Trades on the Prairie:
Technology and Trades on the Prairie is promoting the economic vitality of careers in the technology and trades industries in Southwest Minnesota. Meeting current and future local workforce needs through strong partnerships between businesses, communities, academic institutions and others committed to Southwest Minnesota sustainability. Technology and Trades on the Prairie is part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

  • Creating an awareness among high school students and 18-29 year old’s of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors of Southwest Minnesota.
  • Providing the means for employers in industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.
  • Encouraging graduating students to remain or to return to the area.
  • Partnering with employers, academic institutions, and other groups dedicated to improving the vitality of SW MN to create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates.

Technology & Trades on the Prairie is incorporated and a 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF).
For more information about us please visit: https://prairiecareers.com/

Scholarship Recipients

For Immediate Release:
Jackie Edwards, Technology & Trades on the Prairie
[email protected]

Technology and Trades on the Prairie Announces Scholarship Recipients

Redwood Falls, MN: Technology and Trades on the Prairie is excited to announce sixteen scholarship recipients for 2018. These students are representing the schools of: Redwood Valley, Renville County West, Springfield, Wabasso, Westbrook-Walnut Grove, Cedar Mountain, and Red Rock Central. All scholarship recipients will be continuing their education through a technical or trade school of their choice and we wish each of them the “Best of Luck” with their next journey in life.

Maiya Thompson, Redwood Valley Senior, attended the Technology and Trades Career Institute last July. Before attending the career institute Maiya really had no direction for after high school graduation. She attended a welding session and proudly found a new passion and announced to her family, “I am going to welding school!” Maiya is one of our scholarship recipients for a scholarship and will be attending Minnesota West Community and Technical College for welding in the fall of 2018.

Technology and Trades on the Prairie is made possible by the following:
Farmers Union Industries Foundation, Farmward Cooperative, AgQuest, Southern MN Beet Sugar Cooperative, Minnwest Bank, Thrivent, CoBank, CHS, Redwood Area Learning Center, and Southwest Initiative Foundation.

Scholarship winners
Left to Right: Madelyn Collins (Alexandria Tec – Early Education), Amanda Johnson (Rochester Com & Tech – Veterinary Tech), Maiya Thompson (MN West – Welding), Jackie Edwards, Chair Technology & Trades on the Prairie

About Technology and Trades on the Prairie:
Technology and Trades on the Prairie is promoting the economic vitality of careers in the technology and trades industries in Southwest Minnesota. Meeting current and future local workforce needs through strong partnerships between businesses, communities, academic institutions and others committed to Southwest Minnesota sustainability. Technology and Trades on the Prairie is part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

  • Creating an awareness among high school students and 18-29 year old’s of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors of Southwest Minnesota.
  • Providing the means for employers in industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.
  • Encouraging graduating students to remain or to return to the area.
  • Partnering with employers, academic institutions, and other groups dedicated to improving the vitality of SW MN to create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates.
  • Technology & Trades on the Prairie is incorporated and a 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF).

    For more information about us please visit: prairiecareers.com.

    2018 Scholarship

    Technology & Trades on the Praire has a scholarship available to candidates that are attending a technology or trade school after graduation this spring! This is a $500 scholarship and the winners will be announced May 2nd, 2018. The application deadline is Friday, April 13th.

    To be considered for the scholarship, the applicant must:

    • Must attend a technology or trade school post graduation
    • Complete this application
    • Submit 1 letter of reference

    More Information:

    • 2 seniors will be awarded $500 each.
    • The scholarship will be paid after the 1st semester of school (Fall 2018).
    • Complete the application below with your letter of reference attached or download this application and submit to your school by April 13.

    Our goals are to be part of the larger community effort to improve the future of Southwest Minnesota by:

    • Creating an awareness among high school students and 18-29 year old’s of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors of Southwest Minnesota.
    • Providing the means for employers in industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota.
    • Encouraging graduating students to remain or to return to the area.
    • Partnering with employers, academic institutions, and other groups dedicated to improving the vitality of SW MN to create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates.

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    Career Spotlight: EMT/Paramedic

    Call 911!

    That’s YOU… or it could be! At our 2017 Career Institute, students will experience a hands-on activity required of emergency medical personnel in a simulated ambulance bay that mirrors the interior of an actual ambulance. If you have ever thought about a career as an EMT or Paramedic, this is your chance to test it out!
    EMTs

    Emergency medical technicians or “EMTs” and paramedics care for sick or injured people in emergency settings. EMTs and paramedics don’t work the usual 9-5 schedule, some work 12-24 hour shifts at a time with overnights and weekends. Careers in the emergency medical field are projected to grow 24% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average field. A career as an EMT or paramedic is great for a student looking for a fast-pace, exciting environment who enjoys problem-solving.

    A career as an EMT or paramedic can be very fulfilling, as they are constantly helping others, however, it can be very stressful and strenuous. If you are ready to explore a career in emergency medical care join Technology & Trades on the Prairie at the 2017 Career Institute!

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

    Career Spotlight: Agronomy Spotlight

    In Southwest Minnesota, it’s almost common knowledge to know the current price of corn or what a combine is. It’s natural to want to continue agriculture after spending most of your time on a farm growing up. However, agriculture is a changing industry, constantly pushing innovation and faster, smarter technology. At the 2017 Career Institute, Technology & Trades on the Prairie offers students a hands-on sneak peek into the world of agriculture with one of today’s biggest technology innovations, drones. The use of drones is playing a critical role in agriculture. Students will have the chance to learn how to operate a drone and discover their increasing value to agricultural production from current professionals in the industry.

    Farmers with drone on field

    Choosing a career in agriculture can have many benefits. Plant scientists or agronomists, research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. Like many careers in agriculture, agronomy can be very rewarding. Agronomists play a key role in maintaining and expanding the nation’s food supply. They do so by conducting lab experiments, field research, and studying soil composition. Plant scientists can take the information collected and directly apply it to improve the quality, quantity and safety of food.

    Sound interesting to you? Apply for our 2017 Career Institute and not only get to fly a drone, but explore a career in agriculture today.

    Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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