Xavier Schmalzried is likely one of a small number of students who have the opportunity to put skills from three high school career tech courses all to work right after graduation. 

Schmalzried, 17, is a 2024 graduate of Pellston High School who took construction, welding, and powersports repair career and technical education courses during his high school career. He was hired by Wentworth Builders in Harbor Springs for a full-time career upon graduation – but he has another opportunity for two months that will put all his skills to work. Schmalzried will head to Beaver Island for July and August to work in welding, construction, concrete work, and machine repair for a company there.

“I really will utilize all the skills I’ve learned in my career tech classes between these job opportunities,” said Schmalzried. “I’ll be working full time on Beaver Island, and then coming back to pick up again with Wentworth in September.”

The timing works well for the Wentworth company as well. Crews, including Schmalzried, are currently building a 14,000-square-foot home in Harbor Springs, where seasonal construction restrictions will take effect and the project will pause for the summer. It will also give time for Schmalzried to turn 18, after which he can take on some additional work tasks as a legal adult.

Schmalzried was recently celebrated by Char-Em ISD with a “Career Tech to Careers” signing event at Wentworth Builders, where he talked about his career plans and interests. Career Tech to Careers events were established by Char-Em’s Career and Technical Education Department to recognize high school students who pursue careers after graduation based in part on their enrollment in career tech classes in high school.

Cameron Kennard, assistant project manager at Wentworth Builders, said Schmalzried is the fourth graduate from local high school construction trades program that they’ve hired, and they have been impressed with the students’ skills and willingness to get to work.

“It is paramount that we continue to work with our local schools. We have an aging labor force in the skilled trades, so we need to reach young people and tell them about the job opportunities available to them. We have been very active in Char-Em ISD schools in getting this message out,” said Kennard. “All of the students who have come to work for us have been exceptional candidates.”

Schmalzried said it was a visit from Wentworth staff to his high school class that piqued his interest in pursuing a career in construction, as he was previously undecided until he heard directly about the opportunities. 

During high school, he took two years of construction, two years of welding, and added PowerSports Technology during his senior year. In March, he began participating in the co-op, or “work-based learning” program that has been reignited by Char-Em ISD career and technical education staff, along with Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialists from Northwest Michigan Works. 

Co-op allows students to work in career fields of interest with local employers for about half of a high school day, earning wages and credits toward graduation and honing skills for life after graduation. Schmalzried started with Wentworth through the co-op program, and it was a good fit for both parties.

“The staff at Wentworth really show a lot of respect for you here,” said Schmalzried. “Even though I’m young and new, my opinion is valued and I feel respected. It is a great place to work.”

Schmalzried is current a level 1 craftsman, and spends much of his hours framing. Once he returns from Beaver Island and becomes a full-time staff member, Kennard said he will qualify for full benefits including health, 401(k), profit sharing and paid time off. 

Those benefits and a steady hourly wage have set Schmalzried up for immediate success before he has even turned 18 years old.

“Last year I had a sixth grader at school ask me where I was going to college after I graduate. I told him about my plans to go straight into the trades, and that not everyone has to go to college. I think he seemed interested to hear that,” said Schmalzried. “I would definitely recommend students take CTE classes in high school. They offer good skills to have for life, and you might find a career path that fits you well.”

Char-Em ISD extends a special thanks to the Mansfield Family Foundation for continuing to support these signing events with gift cards for the new employees to purchase necessary tools and equipment for their job.

Photo caption: Xavier Schmalzried is pictured, seated second from left, at a recent Career Tech to Careers signing event at Wentworth Builders, Harbor Springs. Pictured with him to celebrate are (from left) Jim Rummer, Director of Career and Technical Education for Char-Em ISD; Chris Schlappi, Pellston High School Principal; (back row, from left) Tory Thrush, Career and College Readiness Consultant for Char-Em ISD; Stephen Seelye, Pellston Superintendent; Tracy Beckley, JMG Work Based Learning Coordinator;  Marc Svatora, JMG Specialist; Cameron Kennard and Scott Carbeck, both with Wentworth Builders.

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