Labor-Management Education Committee – Lee Graham, Fall 2025
With summer rapidly coming to an end and the fall season right around the corner, we would like to quickly recap a few great things Operating Engineers 324 have been a part of over the last few months.
The 7th Annual American Cancer Society Big Dig was hosted at the Operating Engineers 324 Construction Career Center in Howell on July 12th. Families that included over 600 children of all ages enjoyed a hands-on and immersive introduction to the construction industry and science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Children operated heavy equipment with the help of skilled volunteers and took part in construction-themed crafts, demonstrations, and activities in the name of a great cause. Money raised at the Big Dig went to support the American Cancer Society’s work in pediatric cancer research. Due to the amazing supporters and industry partners, over $160,000 was raised in the fight against childhood cancer! The monies raised allows the organization to bring awareness and showcase their mission – Construction vs Cancer. The smiles on the faces of the many participants were priceless, and OE324 was honored to host such an amazing event with all the other partners that made it happen.
On August 10th & 11th, Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee
(MASCI) partnered with Executive Director Mike Smith with the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) to host the annual MASCI Industry Reception and MASCI Membership Meeting. Special guests were in attendance included Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Director Susan Corbin, Opportunity Administrative Manager Apprenticeship Expansion, Scott Jedele, Helmets to Hardhats Michigan State Director Sam Dougherty, Michigan Department of Education and Office of Career & Technical Education Director Celena Mills, USDOL-OA Michigan State Director Tiffanie Clawson and Launch Michigan President/CEO Venessa Keesler. On August 10th, the MASCI Industry Reception which included a hands-on skilled trades challenge competition was held at the new Iron Workers Local 8 Training Center. The multi-trade challenge included Operating Engineers 324, Laborers 1329, Sheet Metal Workers 7, IBEW 906, MI Regional Council of Carpenters 1510, Iron Workers 8, and Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers 2.
This year, OE324 was able to participate once again with the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) 4th Annual Building Trades Summer Camp. The UPCC with signatory contractors and trades, Delta Schoolcraft ISD, Dickinson-Iron ISD, Marquette-Alger RESA, the Workforce Development Institute and UP Michigan Works! were able to hold a paid six-week summer camp for 26 incoming high school (freshmen through seniors) from the Gladstone area to take part in construction activities. The camp ran from July 7th through August 14th. The camp allowed the students the opportunity to learn invaluable skills to help them jumpstart their career or future training/education after graduating high school. On August 14th, the UPCC celebrated the graduation of the students with it being hosted at the Operating Engineers 324 Northern Michigan Construction Career Center.
This summer, Operating Engineers 324 was given the opportunity to partner with the Great Lakes Super Sprints racing organization and Onaway Speedway (Great Lakes Big Rig Challenge & Over the Top Diesel Showdown. This sponsorship allowed us to spread the word to race fans, pit crew members, and anyone else that stopped by to learn more about various career opportunities that exist as a Heavy Equipment Technician or a Heavy Equipment Operator. These events were a great success that resulted in excellent recognition of our organization.
On June 17-19, Operating Engineers 324 was able to participate in the MiSTEM Power Up! Heavy Equipment Exploration available to Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque ESD students. Thank you to M&M Excavating for making the SAAB jobsite exposure happen and providing an unforgettable experience for the students. One parent even stated the student loved the opportunity and wished school was more like this exploration that allowed an introduction of the trade.
These great efforts help encourage the Operating Engineers of tomorrow and let communities know all the work we are doing daily – to Build; to Maintain; to Operate; and to give back. Have a great fall season and stay safe!
Lee Graham
Treasurer
Executive Director, Labor-Management Education Committee