Skilled Trades Academy grad interns with County Engineer’s Office

(Article via The Beacon) 2023 Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy graduate, Natalie Rose, was offered a co-op opportunity with the Ottawa County Engineer’s Office this summer during her break from the University of Dayton. Rose, who is pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, said the experience made her better-prepared for her sophomore year of college.

At the engineer’s office, she had hands-on experience in many areas, from survey work to traffic counting.

“I did pretty much everything,” she said.

Rose worked under Ottawa County Engineer Ron Lajti and his staff, who exposed her to many elements of civil engineering work, including Auto CAD and Civil 3D. She also had the chance to network with many professionals in the field. She is very grateful for the experience.

“I didn’t only learn basic stuff. I learned deeper stuff that will put me ahead of other people. That is huge,” she said. “I’m really grateful I got to do this.”

Not only did the co-op experience strengthen Rose’s skills, but it will also help her narrow her options for post-college work. Now, she has a better understanding for civil engineering work in the public sector. She hopes to intern in the private sector next. Then, she can decide which will be a better fit for her professionally, although the county hopes she comes back home.

“They are really encouraging at the county,” Rose said. “They wanted me to stay, but they also encouraged me to go out and explore.”

Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy Instructor Nick Hendrickson helped connect Rose with the county. It was just one more step of impact that he and the school have made in Rose’s life.

“He’s great. I felt like I could talk to him about everything,” Rose said. “He takes a lot of pride in his students. He made sure he gave me as many opportunities as he could, so I felt like he really cares.”

Rose encourages other students to enter the Skilled Trades Academy. Although she didn’t choose to go into a trade, the experience helped her personally and professionally.

“No matter what you end up doing, it helps,” she said.

Rose learned practical skills that gave her an edge in college and life skills that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. The Skilled Trades Academy exposes students to many different trades, so it helps them discover what they like and what they don’t like.

“What’s great about this program is, it doesn’t pigeonhole you into one thing,” Rose said. “You get to explore a bunch of stuff.”

For more information on the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy, visit https://ocic.biz/ocbac/skilled-trades-academy/.