Wisconsin Public Radio interviewed Middleton High School Engineering & Technology teacher Quincy Millerjohn about the growing popularity of trades programs in high schools nationwide.
He talked with Wisconsin Today host Rob Ferrett about his background and his career path to becoming a trades teacher. Millerjohn also shared how Middleton High School’s trades classes prepare students for careers.
“We still have a very traditional woods program, where students are making wooden keepsake boxes and nightstands,” Millerjohn said. “They’re using basic hand tools and power tools for that.”
He explained how technological advances are shaping what employers are looking for and how trades teachers and classes are adapting to meet these demands.
“The biggest change has been the introduction of that CNC – computer numeric-controlled – equipment, and the CAD and CAM – computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing – go along with that,” Millerjohn said.
He noted Middleton High School even reflects the changing technologies in course names, from “Metals” to “Design and Fabrication” to give students a better sense of what a class – and eventually a job using the skills learned in that class – looks like.
“There’s a large industry need for these advanced positions,” Millerjohn said. “And one of the biggest hurdles is lack of familiarity. The shops look different and the jobs look different in today’s market.”
Millerjohn also discussed the changing perception of trades programs.
“Sometimes shop classes were thought of as this refuge for students who didn’t excel at the game of school traditionally,” Millderjohn said.
Now, Millerjohn said trades classes help show students that “career-worthy jobs” are available in the trades, with “careers that are going to sustain them and allow them to start a family” without having a college degree.
Listen to his full interview on Wisconsin Public Radio, and read an interview recap on Wisconsin Public Radio's website.
Learn more about Middleton High School’s Youth Apprenticeship program and Career & Technical Education program.