Robbie Johnson, director of ATEC Academy, updated the Aberdeen School Board on Dec. 8 about recent career-technical education activities, industry partnerships and student competition results.

Johnson described a new partnership with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in which ATEC building-trades students are providing labor to construct camping cabins for state campgrounds; the agency supplies materials and contracts electricians and transport for on-site installation. He said this is the first year the state brought the project to Aberdeen Central High School and that the arrangement could continue in future years.

Johnson also recapped a Manufacturing Day on Oct. 3 and a Build Dakota roadshow that connected students with local businesses. Employers emphasized demand for commercial driver's license holders and welders; Johnson called the events a “win” for students and industry alike.

Student Mason described attending a weld-off in Watertown with about 400 students from more than 40 schools. Mason said he tied for the top score on the welding test (reported as 26 out of 30) and received a welding helmet as a prize. Johnson credited instructors and the program’s instructors with preparing students for regional competitions.

Why it matters: The partnerships expose students to workforce needs and provide hands-on experience that local employers value, potentially lowering future contracting costs for public projects and creating pathways to skilled jobs.

Board members discussed adding a placard to cabins to credit student work and asked about the city’s role in completing installations. Johnson said the district hopes the partnership will continue and benefit both students and state campgrounds.