Kansas construction company and livestock equipment manufacturer MJE, LLC and MJE Livestock Equipment — based in Montezuma, Kan. — recently partnered with local school districts to encourage students to take welding classes.
For the 2023-2024 school year, MJE will fully cover the supplemental fees usually charged to students in welding classes at South Gray High School in Montezuma and Sublette High School in Sublette.
MJE’s Chief Operating Officer Heather Jantz shared with KansasBizNews.com about how such educational partnerships help strengthen Kansas’ workforce.
“As a native Kansan, I feel it’s important for business leaders to help cultivate our future leaders,” Jantz explained. “Businesses across the state are thriving, and Kansas is positioned to continue to grow our economy. We like to put our money where our mouth is and make sure Kansas kids have what they need to gain new skills that can lead to rewarding careers. At every opportunity MJE has to engage with students, we let them know It’s Okay to Stay!”
Jantz said MJE and MJE Livestock Equipment entered the partnership with the school districts to encourage students to enter the Kansas manufacturing and construction workforce and reduce the financial burden on students interested in such a career path.
In return for covering educational costs, MJE asks that students take a tour of MJE Livestock Equipment sometime during the school year. An MJE press release shared its goal to encourage students to pursue careers in its file in hopes of eventually hiring them.
“We are always looking for skilled employees for our businesses and love hiring from the area,” said MJE HR Director Shannon Coleman. “Rural Kansas isn’t for everyone, and people who grow up here and choose to live their lives and raise their families understand the appeal of living in rural communities. MJE isn’t just a business — it’s a community of over 200 people working together to grow the Ag industry.”
One of MJE’s school partners, Sublette High School — located in Sublette, Kan. — offers three welding classes for its high school student body.
“USD 374 Sublette is blessed to partner with a company like MJE that knows the value of investing in our students that wish to pursue technical educational careers,” said Sublette High School Principal Bobby Murphy.
“Our ultimate goal has always been to grow our own workforce,” Jantz explained. “We differentiate ourselves in the job market by offering scholarship incentives for students looking to grow their skill set and become integral parts of our team.”
MJE Livestock Equipment and MJE said they continually work in cooperation with other rural business leaders to frequently engage in activities to promote rural education and workforce development.
