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Contact: Betsy Kohn, 873-2000, ext. 8365

MCHS, Industry Focused on Future Workforce

Compressed Air Academy open house centers on strengthening partnerships

MICHIGAN CITY, IN – October 13, 2022 — The Compressed Air Academy at Michigan City High School opened its doors to industry partners on Tuesday, offering tours and a roundtable conversation to highlight advancements made since the Academy first opened in 2019. 

The open house gave industry representatives a chance to see the classroom space and equipment, meet the teachers and students, and learn more about the curriculum and partnership opportunities.

The first of its kind in the country, the Compressed Air Academy at MCHS is a specialized program with a curriculum that prepares students for immediate entry-level positions in the compressor/vacuum industry, while also providing a foundation for students who pursue higher education for more advanced manufacturing positions.

Clarence Hulse, Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City, said events such as the open house are critical to connecting a future workforce with employers who are looking for employees with specialized skills.

Hulse noted that Michigan City is No. 1 in the state and No. 1 in the Midwest in the compressed air industry. “The resource that everyone wants and needs is right here – workers,” he said. “We have local people, local schools right here in our backyard and we need to help connect them to companies here in Michigan City with good paying jobs.”

The Compressed Air Academy is led by Jeff Rochowiak and Ralph Gee, MCHS teachers who prepare their students for the workforce with a curriculum focusing on engineering, technology, robotics, and manufacturing.

Both teachers spoke on Tuesday about the need to close the gap between the Academy and companies who need workers, whether through a work/study program, entry-level jobs upon graduation, or opportunities to encourage alumni to return to Michigan City to work. “We have about 50 to 75 kids who are employment-ready right now, students who are enthusiastic and ready to be connected to businesses,” Gee said.

Among the companies in attendance at the open house were Sullair, CompressAir, Lefco CPS, Vanair, and Sullivan Palatek, as well as representatives from Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Northwest, and the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce.

Moving forward, MCHS and these companies plan to work together, offering internships, work/study opportunities, career fairs, tours, and field trips for students. Hulse also recommended that each company appoint a liaison to be a point of contact for MCHS to continue this conversation.

“These partnerships are more than a donation of equipment,” said Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, MCAS Superintendent. “They involve companies engaging with and mentoring our students, offering internships, and using their resources for the betterment of our students and community. This is truly the power of collaboration.”

To learn more about the Compressed Air Academy at Michigan City High School, visit www.EducateMC.net/CAA.