the wmci newsletter

Fall 2024

president's message

I love data. When an organization is born, data begins to shape its path, and as the years progress, it becomes the rudder that steers us in the right direction. Data reveals the story of our students—where they excel and where they need additional support. It highlights our supporters, whether they are individual donors or companies investing in their employees by sending them to WMCI. It tells us which of our programs are thriving and which may require more resources.

As we launch the 2024-2025 academic year, I am thrilled to share that the data at WMCI looks fantastic! We now have 53 high school students enrolled in General Carpentry, Carpentry 2, and Electrical 1 through our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program—up from just 11 when we first started in January 2022. We are honored that 19 schools have partnered with us, trusting us to shape the futures of their students.

Our adult education programs are also thriving, with 157 students enrolled in Carpentry, Drywall, Exterior Envelope, Plumbing, and Sprinkler Fitting. In January, we’ll expand further by welcoming back Concrete students in to their new, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled lab that allows them to simulate outdoor conditions—even in the heart of winter.

This year, we’re proud to have 10 returning instructors and 5 new instructors who are bringing their expertise to our classrooms. We’ve also welcomed 2 CTE specialists who are dedicated to supporting our high school instructors and students. Watching our instructional teams thrive and inspire is one of the greatest joys I experience as president.

WMCI is thriving, but we’re far from finished. Our board has set ambitious growth goals for the next three years, and we need your support to reach them. Help us spread the word about the exciting things happening at WMCI!

Yours for the industry,

Jen Schottke

Meet our students

What is your hard hat story?

Jonny

Core Adult Student
Pioneer Construction

Jonny started in our Adult Craft program in the Fall of 2023. He was enrolled in Core: Foundational Construction Skills to help him learn about the construction industry and determine his field of interest. During his class, he would chat with his instructor and WMCI staff about potential career paths. With support from our Student Services Department, he applied at Pioneer Construction and was hired that Winter. He has loved the experience at Pioneer so far and is thrilled to dive into more trades. In 5-10 years, Jonny hopes to earn a journeyman status and continue in the trades.

Gabriel

High School Student
Buist Electric

Gabriel started in our High School Program during the 2023-2024 school year. Gabriel was a part of the first graduation class from Southwest Middle High School. Gabriel and his classmate, Jovanny knew they wanted to be in the electrical field from day one. On every field trip, they were drawn to the electrical side of each project. When the opportunity for a job shadow with electricians, they jumped at the opportunity to see the field in deeper action. Before graduating high school, both were hired at Buist Electric. After his first day of work, Gabriel told the staff “It’s hard but I love the work.”

2023-24 stats worth celebrating

BUILDING UPDATE

CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE!

Daryl Johnson, Project Manager

Dan Vos Construction Company

The teamwork between WMCI, DVCC, and its trade partners played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition. Each of them brought invaluable expertise and commitment to the table, which made the entire process both smooth and enjoyable. One unique feature is the indoor sandbox that will be used for teaching students how to frame/build footings in the concrete lab.

Overall, the project progressed smoothly, and we are very pleased with the outcome. With the experienced team of professionals that were involved, if any opportunities came up, everyone came together as a group and figured out workarounds to make sure we met our deadline.

Working on a project that supports the future of skilled trades has been meaningful for me. Seeing the progress and the impact our work will have on students and their learning environment has been truly inspiring. WMCI has built a first-class facility with all the technologies for students to be successful in whichever trade they choose.