Workforce development partnership established

News

Thursday, 26 December 2024 13:35

The Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy and Wenzel Metal Spinning have recently established a workforce development partnership to offer specialized welding training programs to help create a skilled workforce that is directly aligned with the specific needs of the industry.
This partnership will allow students to gain hands-on experience in real-world industrial settings. This partnership is invaluable for building proficiency and confidence in welding techniques.
Drew McNutt, CTE Director at the Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy stated, “The partnership between Wenzel Metal Spinning and the Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy will strengthen the instruction and provide our students with the best career pathway to success, while staying locally in Jackson County. We are so appreciative of Mr. Mark Peppers and his team at Wenzel for giving back to our students in Jackson County.”

Mark Peppers, of Wenzel Metal Spinning, praised the partnership with The Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy as a pivotal step toward building a stronger future for Jackson County.
“This collaboration is about more than just welding — it’s about creating opportunities for students to secure high-paying, skilled jobs right here in our community,” Peppers said. “We’re thrilled to help equip these young people with the tools they need to succeed in a field that’s in high demand.”

He also credited Drew McNutt, Jeremy Johnson, and Jackson County Superintendent Jason Davidson for their dedication to fostering local industry involvement and using creative approaches to develop practical, hands-on educational opportunities.

“Their vision for connecting education and industry is exactly what Jackson County needs to thrive,” Peppers added.