STURGIS, SD (3/11/2016) – For the fourth year, Sturgis Brown High School students toured seven metalwork manufacturers in the Sturgis Industrial Park on March 9th as part of an enhanced Career Day format.
Thirty students applied for, and were awarded, the opportunity to tour the businesses. Accompanied by faculty, they met with business owners, managers and employees to gain a firsthand perspective on modern manufacturing processes. These processes included software and CNC programming, product development, machining and welding.
Participants also learned about the coursework required for entry-level success, aptitude and skill sets necessary for career success, and regional salary expectations and career development opportunities.
The participating businesses were: Legend Air Suspension, Bar-Sto Precision Machine, Horizon Machine, Dakota Arms/Remington, Landsport, HiQual Livestock Equipment, and Black Hills Manufacturing Services. Students also toured the machine tool training program housed in the new industrial incubator in the Sturgis Industrial Park.
This workforce development initiative is a cooperative effort among the Meade School District 46-1, Sturgis Economic Development Corp (SEDC), and local manufacturers. Pat Kurtenbach, SEDC President states, “This is an exceptional time for students to explore local career options in metalwork manufacturing. The mentoring provided by these manufacturers is an investment in our community’s future.”
Sturgis Brown High School’s new Career Technical Education (CTE) machine tool training program opened in the Sturgis Industrial Park in Fall 2015 with 15 students. It currently has 26 students enrolled. CTE curriculum provides students with dual credits that can apply toward continuing education after high school. It allows students the opportunity to receive advanced degrees at a reduced rate, as well as, faster entry into the workforce. Curriculum has also been developed that allows high school students the opportunity to intern with manufacturers in the Industrial Park.
