From High School to a Promising Career Path: How One Detroit graduate Discovered a New Path Through an Industrial Sewing Training Program

 When Jamaree Bassett heard about the Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing and Production (FISP) program through his high school counselor, he was intrigued. As a student at Northwestern High School, Jamaree had been interested in pursuing sports and college, but he needed to pivot his plans. The hands-on industrial sewing course seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore this seemingly rare opportunity. 

The Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) and Detroit Public School Community District partnered for the first time to offer the FISP program to recent DPSCD graduates. Through this initiative, high school graduates gained valuable knowledge and skills in industrial sewing and textile manufacturing. 

For Jamaree, the program opened his eyes to the complex and skilled work that goes into garment production. "I learned about sewing, how much it takes to make a shirt, and like a lot of people don't understand the hard work behind it," he explains. 

While the coursework presented some initial challenges, Jamaree's determination and strong work ethic helped him overcome them. The hands-on, on-the-job training component proved to be a game-changer, as it allowed Jamaree to connect with industry partners like Lear Corporation, a global automotive seating and electrical systems supplier. 

This exposure not only provided valuable connections and practice engaging with employers, but it also opened a clear pathway for Jamaree's future. Now that he has completed the FISP program, Jamaree will be joining Lear's team in an automotive manufacturing role, earning $17 per hour to start. 

Jamaree wishes more high school students knew about the opportunities available through programs like this. "I think you should reach out more to people in schools... a lot of people would be interested in this, but they don't know where to go," he says, emphasizing the importance of making these pathways more visible to young people. 

When asked to describe ISAIC in three words, Jamaree responded with "fun, loving, and amazing." The program also ignited a spark in him to consider entrepreneurship in the future, and he plans to take advantage of the entrepreneur workshops ISAIC will offer in 2025 to further develop his skills. 

Jamaree's success story is a testament to the power of practical, industry-aligned education. By providing students with the chance to explore their passions and develop in-demand skills, the Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing and Production program is opening a world of possibilities for the next generation of makers, innovators, and leaders. 

As Jamaree embarks on his new career path at Lear, the future looks bright. His journey serves as an inspiring example of how hands-on learning and industry partnerships can transform lives and strengthen communities.