River Bend Community Unit School District #2, in Fulton, IL, is working with local manufacturers, to provide employers with viable solutions to manpower shortages. A recent Welding Apprentice student was placed with JT Cullen, a local steel and welding fabrication company. The student is completing his Senior year and is in the Eastern Iowa Community College Welding Apprenticeship program, through a partnership with Clinton Community High School, the College, and the Illinois employer in Fulton. The JT Cullen Plant Manager is thrilled to have a Fulton High School student on-site daily, learning and working!
A second River Bend student spent the summer working for Hero BX, a biodiesel manufacturer. Fulton High School Principal Bob Gosch met with Hero BX leaders in the spring, to discuss how they might mutually support each other. Hero BX needed a Laboratory Technician with a Chemistry background. Fulton High School offers ten hours of dual-credit Chemistry, through a partnership with Sauk Valley Community College. When a student learned about the opportunity from Principal Gosch, she investigated and applied for the summer work. She was a great fit! Hero BX and Fulton High School are now exploring how the partnership can continue, while the student completes her Senior year. Flexible scheduling and Fulton’s Work-Study program may allow this student to earn elective credits during the school day and continue to support the laboratory needs at Hero BX.