Hamilton High School’s Ignite program gives students a chance to explore careers through flexible coursework and hands-on learning. Now in their second year of the program, seven Hamilton students are spending two days each week at K&R Truck Sales, where they’re gaining experience in the many jobs that keep a trucking business running.

The students rotate through departments every five to six weeks, learning about office operations, service, new and used parts, rebuilding, tires and trailers, and detailing. At K&R, just north of Hamilton on M-40, students work alongside employees and supervisors as they take on practical tasks, learn workplace expectations, and discover areas that may interest them after high school.

Ignite was created for students interested in learning through real-world experiences. The program combines online coursework with in-person learning and career exploration. During its first year, students developed skills in areas such as framing, plumbing, electrical work, and welding through experiences that included ROUTE, a skilled trades learning center near Holland. The program also introduced students to community projects and local career opportunities. This year’s K&R placement gives returning students a chance to build on that foundation in a working transportation business.

At K&R, students are seeing how different departments connect. In the service area, Lane is learning to take apart engines and help with repairs. Ethan has worked on service jobs, including removing a transmission to replace a leaking rear main seal gasket. He said the hands-on experience has helped him explore a possible future in diesel mechanics.

“It’s been a good experience,” Ethan said. “I really like that we get to be hands-on and learn new things.”

Students are also learning the details behind parts inventory and tire service. Brennan checks part numbers and quantities, updating inventory records when something is missing or needs to be corrected. Masin has learned to mount, dismount, repair and balance tires, including working with large truck rims.

Other rotations introduce students to the business and presentation side of the operation. Tony has learned about computer work, paperwork and how jobs move through the business. In the detailing department, Aaron has helped wax, polish and prepare trucks.

“I’m impressed,” said Brad Langstraat, K&R’s tire manager and one of the program’s supervisors. “They're on time and have a great attitude. They’re fun to have around, and it’s fun to watch them learn and see new things in their life.”

For Lane, working on engines has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. He described removing engine heads and oil pans and said he is grateful for the chance to learn by doing. K&R Used Parts Manager Walter Jansen has seen that growth firsthand.

“When you came in from your first day and we first started to tear engines apart, you were very unfamiliar with it,” Jansen told Lane. “And now, with very little coaching, you were able to conduct an interview and describe all of the processes you’ve been doing. That tells us the program is paying off.”

The learning goes beyond technical skills. Students are expected to arrive on time, work safely, communicate with others and take responsibility for their work. Jansen said K&R values the opportunity to mentor students and help them build relationships and teamwork skills in a real workplace.

Joe called Ignite “a pretty cool thing for Hamilton” because it gives students the chance to go out and learn. Tony said his experience has helped him understand how a business works and could help him find a job in the future. Ethan is considering a career in diesel mechanics.

The students participating this year are Ethan Chambers, Brennan Farrington, Joe Slagh, Lane VanBronkhorst, Masin VanDeWege, Aaron Zandstra and Tony Bott.

Ignite gives students a chance to explore possible career paths while developing skills they can use in the workplace and in everyday life. Through partnerships with local businesses like K&R Truck Sales, Hamilton students can connect classroom learning with the work happening in their community.

Families with questions about Ignite can contact Mat Rehkopf, Hamilton Community Schools’ Director of Career, College and Innovative Programs, at mlrehkopf@hamiltonschools.us. Please visit the Hamilton Community Schools Career & College Readiness web pages for more details.