The Tri-County Trades High School Lineman Program in Bay City offers free, hands-on training for high school juniors and seniors, preparing them for skilled jobs in the electrical trades immediately after graduation.
High school students in Bay City now have a direct path to skilled, well-paying jobs through the Tri-County Trades High School Lineman Program, a career and technical education (CTE) initiative operated by State Street Academy. The program, which just completed its second year, provides juniors and seniors with hands-on training and industry certification to become electrical line workers-at no cost to families.
Founded and directed by Kathleen Ranck, the program is open to students from across the region, including those enrolled in both traditional public schools and charter schools. This year, students from seven different districts participated, reflecting a collaborative approach to workforce preparation. The training, which would typically cost about $40,000 if pursued privately, is offered free as part of the public charter school's curriculum.
Students spend part of their school day at the dedicated training facility in Bay City, where they learn to climb poles, work on live power lines, and operate the same equipment used by professional linemen. The curriculum emphasizes safety and real-world conditions, including outdoor work during winter months. Upon completion, graduates receive both a high school diploma and lineman certification, enabling them to enter the workforce immediately.
One recent graduate, Caeleb Varney of Freeland, attended Freeland High School in the mornings and the lineman program in the afternoons. After finishing the two-year course, he graduated with both his diploma and certification, allowing him to secure a job as a ground worker earning over $60,000 per year. With further apprenticeship, his earnings are expected to exceed $100,000 annually as a full lineman.
The program addresses a growing need for skilled electrical workers in Michigan, as demand for reliable power infrastructure continues to rise. By providing practical training and industry-recognized credentials, the Tri-County Trades High School Lineman Program helps fill critical workforce gaps while offering students a viable alternative to traditional college pathways.
Currently, only two high school lineman programs exist in Michigan-one in Bay City and another in Boyne City. Program leaders and supporters argue that expanding CTE offerings statewide, including in fields like health care and building trades, is essential for Michigan's economic future. State Street Academy, as part of Michigan's charter school community, continues to advocate for broader access to these career-focused educational opportunities.
CTE programs like the one in Bay City are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand fields, supporting both individual career success and the state's workforce needs. As Michigan's economy evolves, such initiatives are increasingly seen as vital components of the public education system.
Charter schools in Michigan, including State Street Academy, are publicly funded and operate independently of traditional school districts. They often serve as incubators for innovative programs like the lineman training initiative, which can be replicated in other communities to address local workforce shortages. The success of the Tri-County Trades High School Lineman Program demonstrates the potential impact of targeted CTE programs on students and the broader economy.
