Teens Get Hands-on Skilled Trades Experience at Jackson Machining U Summer Camp
High school students gained hands-on experience in the skilled trades during the Machining U summer camp, exploring machining, manufacturing careers, and real-world shop environments in Jackson County.
The Jackson Area Manufacturers Association hosted a two-week Machining U summer camp at the Jackson Area Career Center. The program gave local youth a real taste of skilled trades and manufacturing work. Students in grades seven through nine were invited to go beyond textbooks and get hands-on experience. Activities included computer-assisted design, metal fabrication, blueprint reading, welding and machining equipment in a structured, supportive setting. This year’s camp also included projects like building a solar car. These projects expanded opportunities for exploration and creativity in technical fields.
What Students Learned at the Machining U Skilled Trades Camp
Industry professionals took part in teaching and mentoring throughout the camp. Instructors like Osias Clippard, a tool and die apprentice at TAC Manufacturing, shared insights from their own career paths. Their stories helped students see what a future in manufacturing can look like. Attendance at the camp doubled from the previous year. This growth reflects strong interest and engagement from the community. Participants were not just observing. Many ran mills, worked lathes and helped each other learn practical skills. These experiences lay the foundation for machining and welding careers.
Completion of the program offered more than hands-on experience. Students could earn college credits through Jackson College. They also learned about the JAC3 early and middle college program. This helped bridge high school and post-secondary learning. For many campers, the experience opened new possibilities. It encouraged them to consider careers in precision machining, engineering and other skilled trades well before high school graduation.
Fox 47 News reporting on the Jackson Machining U summer camp
Source: https://www.fox47news.com/neighborhoods/jackson-hillsdale/teens-get-hands-on-skilled-trades-experience-at-jackson-machining-u-summer-camp?fbclid=IwAR07wVrcyCtP4Q8LJzHhfGpNYxOjvaxksGE5xQULw3Ig8z–bC2qIFg2dW0
