Morrison-Maierle Partners with the Kalispell School District to Provide Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Hands-On Learning from a Professional

Through the work-based learning program, students can replace one class per semester, or about eight hours a week, with a work placement at a local business. Depending on the type of internship, students can receive math, English, or other types of credit for their participation.

A key feature of the program is that it’s open to all students. Funding from grants and local businesses can close the gaps and enable any student to participate, whether they need access to gas money, personal protective equipment, or other equipment. In some cases, students can work with their existing employer to receive credit for their part-time work.

Mike Kelly, Director of Work-Based Learning, Kalispell Public Schools, says, “Morrison-Maierle has provided Kalispell Public School students incredible experiential semester-long internships that have introduced them to the engineering work environment and increased their skills set all while promoting a curiosity for learning more.”

Providing Real-Life Learning Opportunities

At Morrison-Maierle, high school students are treated similarly to college interns, and they get the chance to work on projects for clients under the guidance of full-time engineers and designers. Sam Kuhlin, PE, a mechanical engineer, has spearheaded Morrison-Maierle’s efforts with the work-based learning program.

“It’s rewarding to help the school district provide that extra exposure that most students don’t get in high school. I fortunately stumbled backward into a career I enjoy, but I would have loved this experience when I was younger. This program allows students to explore careers they’re interested in before they start down a specific path in college,” says Kuhlin.

Sam Engellant, also a student at Glacier High School, was paired with Morrison-Maierle the following year. Passionate about math and science, He knew engineering was a field of interest, but he hadn’t decided what direction he wanted to pursue.

To give Engellant more exposure to the engineering field, Kuhlin devised a system that would give our intern a wide array of opportunities. He created a schedule that would allow Engellant to rotate through all our engineering disciplines in two-week increments.

Many of our Kalispell employee-owners stepped up to help. His mentors included:

• Branton Sorbel, PE – Structural Engineering
• Russell Williams, PE – Fire Protection
• Kyler Harkins, PE – ICT
• Andrew Durado, EI – Plumbing
• Jiff Cicon, PE – Civil Engineering
• Hailey Patno, EI – Mechanical Engineering
• Rick Hiebert, PE – Electrical Engineering

Engellant’s experience engaging with so many different disciplines allowed him to narrow his focus to mechanical engineering, and he’s currently doing a second mechanical-focused semester under Kuhlin.

Engellant has also experienced various aspects of office culture, including attending Morrison-Maierle’s Christmas party at the local bowling alley.

“It’s rewarding to show students how you can make genuine connections with people and enjoy your job. It’s given our interns good insight into what life as a professional can look like,” says Sam Khulin.

A Chance to Give Back

The program also creates opportunities for Morrison-Maierle’s early-career employee-owners. They get the chance to serve as mentors far earlier than they normally would in their careers. Teaching concepts to others also helps them to cement those ideas for themselves.

“As a result of his internship, Sam (Engellant) not only knows that he wants to pursue a career in engineering, but more importantly, he now knows why,” said Mike Kelly. “I’d go so far as to say he now has a passion for engineering.”