Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/245761
be successful and we could get more kids involved in the world of manufacturing and showing them that there are really good jobs available," he says. "We also saw it as a way to get our employees more engaged in teaching and helping the students and giving back to the community." In addition to Precision Machine, the high school received support from Olson Fabrication, CTI Hospitality and N.E.W. Plastics. "Local businesses have been great to work with," Cochart says. "The employers are interacting with the students and talking about not only the skills they need, but also the soft skills they need. We've had quite a few students hired on at local companies even before they graduate." Spitzer says the students he's brought on have found success. "Kids in this program love what they are doing and so far, as employees hired after high school, they perform really well. You have to teach them, as soon as you can, the importance of the team," he says. Many manufacturers face a shortage of skilled workers and partnering with schools to get students interested in the industry is important. While many businesses have found success working with technical colleges, working with high schools is also important, Cochart says. "My mom still works in a machine shop and I've always valued it as a career choice. There's a tremendous opportunity for our students to get real world experience while companies get employees they need," he says. "It's also great we've been able to build up relationships between businesses and the school." Shawn Olson of Olson Fabrication in Algoma says giving students an opportunity to try out careers in machining or welding before leaving high school is a win not only for students, but also area businesses, since it's creating excitement about those fields. The program is "a great way to get students involved and continued > Progressive Solutions to Help Employers Conquer Work-Comp Costs WorkPlace Solutions of Orthopedic & Spine Therapy has physical therapists that are trained and licensed in industry specific injury prevention programs and return-to-work programs. Functional Job Descriptions and Analysis Post-offer Exams Ergonomic Assessments and Training Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) Work Conditioning Program On-site Physical Therapy Services 920-257-2010 www.workplacesolutionsost.com Take the Guesswork Out of Your Budget Since 2011, our actual project costs have been within 2% of the original estimates. 80 0. 5 32 . 4376 www. j faher n .co m 3.05 % Annual Percentage Rate On Kasasa Cash balances up to $15,000 if qualifications* are met. 920.729.6900 | www.fnbfoxvalley.com *Qualifications do apply. Visit www.fnbfoxvalley.com/disclosure or call 920.729.6900 for full disclosure. Member FDIC w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m January 2014 • / insight on manufacturing | 15