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"Quality professional development is a real need, especially among our Career and Technical Trades within the high schools,” said Carrie Hanson, Career and Technical Education Specialist. “These teachers often teach multiple subjects, and not all have opportunities to gain the necessary experience. Our training sessions provide them with essential skills and confidence to bring back to their classrooms."

Mornings consisted of the basics: What they will be doing in the shop, discussing high school teachers’ best practices and issues with teaching welding or machining in the high school, the latest news in industry-related careers, and how to better prepare students who may be interested in either welding or machine tool as a career.

Afternoons featured hands-on experience. Welding teachers spent time in the welding shop learning the various types of welds and welding methods to be better able to teach their students. Machine tool teachers spent time in the machine tool shop developing a project that would be part of their curriculum for the 2025 school year.

Hanson noted that the training wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of ATCC faculty, and their passion for the industry. Former grads and industry partners were also there to assist and answer questions. These training opportunities were provided at no cost to participants, thanks to Perkins V grant funding. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the Perkins V initiative “was designed to improve and expand high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that meet both student and employer needs.”

A total of 28 high school teachers participated in the workshops, from across Minnesota. Teachers represented Aitkin, Albany, Alexandria, Anoka-Hennepin STEP, Ballou, Chisago Lakes, Coon Rapids, CTECH-Rochester, Henning, Jordan, Kimball, Little Falls, Mahtomedi, New Prague, Osakis, Paynesville, Pequot Lakes, Pine River-Backus, Red Wing, St. Cloud Tech HS, and Voyageurs Expeditionary (Bemidji). Here are some of the things the teachers had to say about their experiences:

"I gained great knowledge about the machine tool industry, program, and processes."

“The one-on-one instruction, industry partnerships, and hands-on experience with machines were among the most appreciated aspects.”

"I have never welded before, so this was a great crash course."

Attendees valued learning various welding techniques, setting up machines for a variety of applications, and the hands-on lab time. The sessions provided practical experiences and instilled confidence in their ability to teach students.

These training programs are invaluable, providing high school teachers with the skills needed to inspire and educate the next generation of trades professionals. Alexandria College looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence and expanding opportunities for professional development with Minnesota technical educators.