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IRON MOUNTAIN -- This is not a field trip for local students.  In fact, Northern Star Industries in Iron Mountain is hoping it's much more.

With the help of Michigan Works, the company hosted students Thursday night, giving them a glimpse at their potential futures.

"These kids sit in classrooms all day, so if we go to the classroom and talk to them, we're just another part of their long day,” said Northern Star Marketing Manager Mark Klossner.  “We just thought it would be much more effective to let them actually see the facilities they may work in some day."

Students toured both of Northern Star's plants, Systems Control and Boss Snowplow, and spoke with company officials.

The experience piqued the interest of Kingsford sophomore Austin Granquist.

"It's a big difference because you get to see what goes on actually and look at everything instead of just listening to someone talk," said Granquist.

His father, Art Chandler, agrees.

"It's really good to see what kind of industry is close to home for them,” said Chandler.  “Maybe adapt them better for the workplace here then sending them off to the big city."

Given an anticipated worker shortage over the next 5 to 10 years, Northern Star is focusing on keeping talent right here in the U.P.

"It helps all the companies up here stay really competitive and prosper even when the economy is down,” Klossner said.  “So it's a big deal to try to tap into that hardworking ethic and keep those people up here."

Klossner said even if only a few students show interest in the company down the road, the program will be worthwhile ,and Northern Star likely will do something similar again in the future.