Career and Tech Ed classes in Cloquet keep growing and improving.

Thanks to a state grant, a truck driving simulator has been added to the CDL class, which just kicked off this school year.

Warren Hietala, a senior in the class, showed us his skills on the virtual freeway. “It’s kind of hard to stay in the lanes, because it’s so big,” he explained.

Another student in the class, Isaac Hill, said, “From what I’ve heard, it’s very similar to driving an actual tractor trailer.”

Plus, the funding is helping bring Fond du Lac Ojibwe School students over for classes that aren’t offered at their smaller school.

“It’s a good opportunity for kids over at Fond du Lac,” shared James Wichern, a senior from that school.

Their guidance counselor, Dr. Vicki Oberstar, said, “I think the kids have really benefited from this. I’ve talked to every single one of them.”

Cloquet also added a Work Based Learning program, where students can work at a business off-campus and get paid and get credit.

Michelle Wick, the CTE Program Director, explained, “They get paid for it, and they get credit at school. It’s a pretty cool program. We have six students enrolled now, and more interest.”

WDIO stopped by the World Foods class, where they were finishing up Swedish meatballs on Monday.

Carly Johnson, a senior, said, “We made the sauce and the noodles. I didn’t think they’d be that good, but I tried it, and it was honestly really good. Working with my teammates and just learning how to make food is just really nice and fun and will help me in the future.”