Sachse Construction, in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, has unveiled the new Sachse Construction Skilled Trades Career Center at JA Finance Park, located at 577 Larned St. in downtown Detroit.
The new center will provide students from across southeast Michigan an opportunity to experience the skilled trades via an interactive virtual reality (VR) experience and training simulations.
According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, skilled trade positions will account for some 47,000 annual job openings in the state through 2028.
The new center offers a meaningful way to engage students and youth, leveraging their familiarity with digital platforms, to expose them to numerous possibilities and high-paying jobs available in the skilled trades.
“Our partnership with Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan underscores our commitment to address the skilled labor shortage and empower the next generation of workers,” says Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction.
“Every week, students come to JA to learn about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities. By providing students with access to cutting-edge technology and a wealth of information, we hope to inspire them to pursue career pathways in the construction industry, including carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC technicians, and more.”
JA’s Finance Park curriculum includes a capstone simulation program for youth, K-12 schools, and community-based organizations. The facility resembles a small city with innovative booths featuring different corporations and a range of career opportunities.
Working with educators and industry professionals, students learn about financial literacy and explore a variety of future career pathways through hands-on, interactive lessons.
“Todd Sachse and Sachse Construction have been true community partners and friends to JA. We are excited to collaborate with Sachse Construction on this transformative space,” says Jason Lee, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan. “This virtual reality experience and physical structure are perfect complements to the immersive simulation we’ve hosted for over 15 years at JA Finance Park.”
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Thursday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m. featuring remarks from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a champion of skilled trades workforce development initiatives.
“This is an exciting time in Detroit, with historic levels of construction activity and career opportunity for people interested in the building trades,” says Duggan. “As our city comes back, we want it to be Detroiters rebuilding Detroit. With their new Skilled Trades Career Center, Sachse Construction and Junior Achievement now will be able to reach even more young people through the addition of virtual reality training and simulations.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the center and experience the VR training simulations.
Detroit based Rossetti provided architecture and design for the new center. The following partners also contributed to the project: AVI Systems (screen displays); Castell (seating); Crystal Glass Inc. (glass); Engineering Reproductions Inc. (graphics); Frontline Computing (VR and video integration); Iannuzzi Millwork Corp. (fabrication); Intercity Neon Inc. (signage); Interplay Learning (VR simulations); Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors (masonry); Master Craft Floors (flooring); Michigan CAT (heavy equipment); Morrey’s Contracting (carpentry); Sav’s Welding Services Inc. (steel work); Stuart Mechanical (HVAC and plumbing); and United Electrical Contractors (electrical system).
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Detroit, Sachse Construction has built millions of square feet spanning the retail, commercial, hospitality, and education sectors. For more information, visit sachseconstruction.com.
Founded nationally in 1919 and locally in 1949, Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed. JA offers a wide variety of proven programs that promote financial capability, work and career readiness, and business ownership.
Dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 and young adults, ages 18-25, about financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship, JASEM serves youth throughout the 10-county region, including Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
For more information, visit jamichigan.org.
