Wheeling, WV, May 10, 2021 – In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed 23 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at Wheeling Park High School and Precision Tool. The challenge required the students to conduct research on behalf of Precision Tool for the potential purchase of a five-axis machine with a focus on capabilities, size and cost of multiple potential machines.
“I am so excited that students, training to be machinists, are helping to pick our next piece of equipment. Their research and presentation should help us make an informed decision”, commented Heather Cyphert, Owner of Precision Tool, about students’ presentation.
In preparation for the challenge, the students were given an in-depth virtual tour of Precision Tool’s Morgantown facility. The tour included employee commentary about their jobs and why they chose to work in manufacturing. The Precision Tool team explained that this new five-axis machine would need to increase opportunities for more business and increased revenues.
The challenge concluded with a team presentation, where the student's created a video that a video that detailed their discovery process and presented a variety options for five-axis machines that were researched with criteria about them and recommendations for purchase.
Aaron Fedorke, Machine Tool Technology/Pre-Engineering instructor, believes that his students gain valuable experience by working with manufacturers on a real-world challenge. “This project brought awareness and broadened their knowledge on the capabilities of 5 axis CNC machines and how valuable they can be in manufacturing. All it takes at times is experiences like this that can change a student's mind and excite them in the career of manufacturing”, said Aaron.
Participating MTEC Students: Warren Barnett, Noah Britton, Cody Chapman, Trevor Davis, Nick Fenci, Tommy Gump, Jason Hailer, Trevor Howell, Nicholas Jones, Alex Kepreos, Seth Kucera, Adam Lafollett, Merrick Miller, Robert Mobley, Briar Provenzano, Kyra Ricker, Christopher Sorge, Kadie Tyler, Daniel Underwood, Grant Vargo, Joshua Weigand, Andrew Wilson, and Dakota Zeigler
Participating Progressive Industries Team Members: Heather Cyphert and Josh Perry
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has recognized May 10, 2021, as West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day. The proclamation celebrates and recognizes students and educators across the Mountain State for their excellence and commitment to the next generation of workers in the manufacturing industry. "Today is to recognize those in education and industry who tirelessly cultivate innovative and engaging educational programs connecting student interest and skills with meaningful career opportunities in manufacturing. West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day is a celebration of the state’s students and educators for their excellence and commitment to the next generation in the manufacturing industry workforce,” said Explore the New Manufacturing Program Director Monica Cross.
Explore's Manufacturing Innovation Challenge is designed to allow high school student teams to solve real-world manufacturing problems faced by West Virginia manufacturers. Each challenge is unique and can come from a variety of aspects of the company's operations. Students learn how problem-solving skills are a critical element to job performance. The challenge concludes with a formal team presentation, after which students and manufacturers discuss the feasibility of implementing the solution. The experience illustrates how teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills are used to implement the industry's solutions.
