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Lakewood board hears West Shore CareerTech plan for welding and MEMS programs
Summary
West Shore Career Technical District presented two new programs — a welding ‘Resilient Ranger’ pathway and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) program — highlighting enrollment gains, industry partnerships, credentials, and hands‑on equipment and training opportunities for Lakewood City students.
West Shore Career Technical District officials on June 2 told the Lakewood City Board of Education they are adding a welding “Resilient Ranger” pathway and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) program, describing industry partnerships, student credentials, and hands‑on equipment that officials said will prepare students for technical careers.
Dr. Badat, representing West Shore, said the district has earned a five‑star rating for the last three years and noted rising interest: applications rose from 232 last year to 268 this year. He also said 68 of 70 West Shore seniors passed their career pathways this year.
“We're not only preparing students for graduation, but we are preparing students for the future,” Dr. Badat said in opening remarks.
Welding instructor Joseph Cernich described classroom tools and an advisory committee of local and regional employers he said will guide the trade program. Cernich demonstrated a compact Vertex welding training machine and explained how it provides visual metrics and a virtual reality view so students can practice welding procedure specifications and joint designs before working at an actual booth. “This machine helps students who are intimidated with welding,” he said. Cernich named advisory members including Lincoln Electric, Carl’s Custom Welding, Aerotech and union representatives; he said about four or five advisory members are local residents.
Kyle White, the MEMS instructor, described the new program’s scope and partner network. He said MEMS — microelectromechanical systems used in sensors, medical devices and industrial equipment — will be taught through hands‑on projects, cleanroom procedures and industry certifications. “Students will graduate with valuable industry credentials, Microsoft Office and Teams certification, OSHA safety certifications and the J‑001 soldering certification,” White said. He said Lorain County Community College helped develop the curriculum and will provide access to cleanroom facilities and college credit opportunities. White also listed regional employer partners including Rockwell Automation, Swagelok, TELOS Communications and Repairbit, and named the Smart Photonics Foundation and a semiconductors workforce foundation as program allies.
Board members congratulated West Shore staff on the program growth. President Katzenberger thanked educators and said the programs represent further investment in career and technical education for Lakewood students.
Officials said the programs aim to connect students to credentials and employer pathways so graduates can enter high‑demand jobs or continue to postsecondary training. No formal board vote was taken on these presentations; the items were presented as the superintendent's report and informational updates.
