This summer, students from the High School Work-Based Learning Summer Trades Academies came together to make a tangible impact on their community. The collaborative community project at Onaway’s Edna Lound Recreational Park brought together participants from the Welding & Fabrication Academy, CNC Machining Academy, and Building & Construction Trades Union Academy — each contributing their unique skills to create something meaningful for everyone to enjoy. These academies were hosted at Industrial Arts Institute and made possible through the Cheboygan – Otsego – Presque Isle Educational Service District and other local partnerships and collaborations.
Collaboration Across Trades and Community Impact
This project demonstrated the power of teamwork and the value of giving back. Welding students fabricated metal components, machining students designed and created the dedication plate, and construction students oversaw structural assembly. Working together from design to completion, they experienced how trades intersect in real-world projects, strengthened technical skills, built professional camaraderie, and left a lasting mark on their community.
A Legacy for the Community
The addition to the Edna Lound Recreational Park will be enjoyed for years to come, serving as a testament to what young people can achieve when education, collaboration, and civic responsibility come together. For the students, it was a chance to apply their skills in a real-world context and to see the immediate impact of their work — a powerful reminder that skilled trades build more than structures; they build community.
Looking Forward
Projects like this one are a cornerstone of the Industrial Arts Institute’s approach to training the next generation of skilled professionals. By connecting technical training with real-world applications and community impact, students leave not only with stronger skills but with the pride of making a difference.