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 Viking Corporation Training Center in Caledonia, Michigan, where we learned about fire suppression systems and the technology used to protect people and property. The hands-on experience showed us the importance of practical learning and staying current with new technologies. This visit helped us better understand how education, technical training, and real-world careers are connected.
We visited Tri-Clor Inc., where we learned about the process of fiberglass production and what it takes to operate as a newer company. The visit gave us a firsthand look at modern manufacturing and the challenges and opportunities that come with growing a business. We also saw how technology, teamwork, and skilled workers play an important role in building a successful manufacturing company.
We visited TNR Machine Inc. in Delton, where we learned how milling machines are used to create precision parts. We explored the process of making one-off parts as well as how a company can scale production to meet different customer needs. We also learned about the strict certifications and quality requirements needed to manufacture parts for airplanes. The visit showed us how precision, technology, and attention to detail are essential in advanced manufacturing.
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!
We visited Endoscopy Repair Specialist Inc., where we learned about repairing and maintaining medical equipment that is manufactured at other facilities. We saw how much care and attention to detail is required to keep expensive equipment working properly. We also learned about the specialized skills needed to repair delicate fiber-optic components and advanced medical cameras. The visit showed us how precision, patience, and technical skills are essential when repairing equipment used in medical procedures.
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.