DU FRESNE MANUFACTURING AND WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS
PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Du Fresne Manufacturing Owner Robert Du Fresne
White Bear Lake Area Schools Superintendent Michael Lovett
The VHEDC proudly recognizes its outstanding partners for their collaboration ; these organizations help the VHEDC advance its mission of ensuring a thriving local business economy in Vadnais Heights and the surrounding areas .
The 2016 Partnership award was shared by Du Fresne Manufacturing and White Bear Lake Area Schools ( WBLAS ). The two entities have been in partnership for eight years and provide job training and skills for teens and college students . Du Fresne Manufacturing is a precision sheet metal design , production and assembly company in Vadnais Heights . The White Bear Lake Area School District serves all or parts of Birchwood , Gem Lake , Hugo , Lino Lakes , Little Canada , Maplewood , North Oaks , Vadnais Heights , White Bear Lake and White Bear Township .
“ Du Fresne was our first community partner ,” said WBLAS Superintendent Michael Lovett . “ They invited us to the plant and to the facility . They helped us see the possibilities partnering with the high school and partnering with the community to create opportunities for students .”
The collaboration between Du Fresne and WBLAS strives to create a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of local employers – ensuring economic prosperity for both businesses and students . In 2015 , the White Bear Lake School district was awarded a $ 250,000 grant from United Way to create a Manufacturing Pathway at South Campus high school . Funds were allotted for a Career & Employment Navigator at the high school for the students ; in addition to career exploration , the Navigator arranges for industry tours and speakers , manages industry partnerships and assists students with pre-employment and employment skills .
Grant funds also provided for brand new manufacturing equipment to support a two-semester course : Manufacturing and Applied Engineering , now offered at both South and North campuses . An advanced yearlong course – Precision Manufacturing – is offered at South Campus . After completing the coursework , students can earn levelone and level-two credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills . Advice from area business leaders , such as Du Fresne , is guiding much of the curriculum . Du Fresne ’ s job-shadowing program complements the high school curriculum .
Jim Stephan of Du Fresne Manufacturing , and business advisor for the job-shadowing program , spoke at the awards ’ banquet and said , “ Our relationship with White Bear Lake Schools is a true partnership . Both parties are deeply invested in creating and supporting education in manufacturing and developing students for lifelong careers after graduation . Together , we ’ re changing the way education and industry support our community for years to come by creating an unstoppable initiative for area youth .”
Du Fresne Manufacturing www . dufresnemfg . com
White Bear Lake Area Schools www . whitebear . k12 . mn . us
NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2017 VHEDC BUSINESS AWARDS CAN BE MADE ON THE VHEDC WEBSITE BEGINNING IN MAY AND CLOSE SEPTEMBER 1 . REFER TO THE SITE FOR REQUIREMENTS : WWW . VHEDC . COM .
24 Vadnais Heights Business Guide & Community Profile