Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Dakota Pestka, and Daymin Heikkila, former Ontonagon graduates, learned about the training program and availability of jobs needed at correctional facility in Marenisco and Baraga from Luke Penrose, correctional program coordinator of Marinesco, and Lieutenant Shawn Miserich of Baraga.
By JAN TUCKER
Ontonagon - Jim Bobula, Ontonagon Area School superintendant, called the first job fair held at the school Friday a "good success and a great start," in showing young people and the community that there are jobs available if you have the right skills.
Junior and senior young people from the schools of the Gogebic Ontonagon Intermediate School District and the public attended the fair with 28 business venders explaining what they have to offer in the way of employment.
Several walked away with jobs or applications for jobs. Austin Libertoski, a senior at the Wakefield-Marenisco High School talked with officials from Lake Shore Systems about a job as a welder when he finishes high school. David Stofflet, manufacture engineer at Lake Shore, told Libertoski, " Give us a call when you are done with school." Libertoski has been in the welding class and passed his certification test recently.
One of the most interesting firms was one that most students and adults had never heard of. Quad Graphics of Lomira, Wisconsin is ready to hire immediately, Ed Alvin, support manager said. Magazines of every type were on the table and Alvin explained they are all printed at Quad Graphics. He explained the company has the largest printing plant in the world at 2.3 million square feet. Every major magazine is printed there. The plant has a day care center, pharmacy, clinic with doctor and dentist. "It is almost like our own city," he said. The company has a training program for applicants. Abigail Tembeull, an art and design student at Finlandia in Hancock said she took home an application. "We cannot find enough people," Alvin added. Alec Tomlinson, an Ontonagon graduate, is already employed by the company as a press assistant.
ASPIRUS Ontonagon Hospital was recruiting CNSs needed in the operation of the Aspirus Long Term Care Facility and students heard about the requirement for that program. Two former graduates of the Ontonagon school talked to Luke Penrose, of the Correctional Program and Shawn Mireich, Baraga, about the Correctional Programs at Ojibway Correctional at Marenisco. Many students were interested in the program.
IBW Local 906 Electricians talked to several interested in training as electricians.
Bobula said the large number of businesses involved in the fair showed students there are jobs available and many different training skills available. "College is not for everyone and this fair let students look at other fields to consider. This was a good start and we hope to do it again next year," he added.
