HMS SF-Manufacturing is a partnership between the Hastings Area Schools, Spark Force, and the local community. The program aims to expose Middle School Students to Manufacturing Skills to help them start planning for a career. Students have an opportunity to learn what educational opportunities exist to prepare them for manufacturing positions, what certifications are needed, and some general basic financial information and projected employment opportunities in manufacturing. Students will learn carpentry skills through hands-on building.
We visited the Bradford White Training Center in Middleville, Michigan, where we learned how professionals are trained to install and maintain water heating systems. The facility showed us the importance of hands-on learning and staying up to date with new technology. The visit helped us understand how education and training connect to real-world careers.
We visited Lewis Welding Corporation and learned how skilled welders create and repair metal parts for many different industries. The team showed us the tools, safety equipment, and techniques they use every day. The visit helped us see how welding is both a technical skill and a career with many opportunities.
Our class visited Ketchum Machine Company in Freeport, Michigan, where we learned how precision parts are designed and manufactured. We were able to see advanced tools and machines in action and ask questions about the process. The visit gave us a better understanding of career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering.
Campers had a blast exploring KCC Regional Manufacturing Technology Center. A big shoutout to Kellogg Community College for your time and for sparking interest in these exciting trades!
Throughout the production of the peg games students were able to: 1. use CAD software to design their pegs 2. use 3D printers to make their pegs 3. use a miter saw and belt sander to build the boards 4. use the laser cutter to engrave the back of the boards
Each student was able to take their peg games home with them. Many of the campers wanted to make revisions to their pegs based on the successes and failures of the first versions of the pegs.