Students at Warren Hills Regional High School are getting hands-on experience with the new equipment, made possible by a grant from the Skilled Labor Fund, as a way to learn about opportunities in the skilled trades. By Loren Kessell
The future of skilled trades starts with student inspiration, and a New Jersey high school received a gift that aims to generate awareness of these professions and offer skills to help students consider new career possibilities.
On Oct. 25, Warren Hills Regional High School hosted a kickoff event for its new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, which it purchased with a $25,000 grant from the Skilled Labor Fund.
Organizations comprising the Skilled Labor Fund’s Operating Committee include the National Kitchen & Bath Association, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Housing Endowment (NHE) Scranton Gillette Communications/SGC Horizon.
CNC machines help streamline the building process by automating the use of a tool, via software in a microcomputer. These can include tools like drills, boring tools or lathes used to process material like wood, metal or ceramic into machine parts or other manufactured pieces. This technology offers precision and consistency to make building more efficient and cut down on waste. The CNC machine at WHRHS was outfitted to work as a router, cutting designs with digitally controlled accuracy.
WHRHS aims to offer real-life job skill experiences for its students, as well as the opportunity to use cutting edge technology to build and hone these skills.
“We’re always looking to ensure that we provide our students with access to tools for life beyond Warren Hills,” Earl Clymer, superintendent of schools, said. “This machine is a step, even a leap, toward being able to provide students with the resources necessary for achieving their dreams.”
Staff and students filed in, ready to express their thanks and to demonstrate the machine’s operation. The room buzzed in anticipation as they eagerly waited to discuss how the new technology would benefit their high school careers and futures.
“We’re very proud to have provided Warren Hills with the funds to purchase the CNC router,” said Bill Darcy, a member of SLF’s operating committee and chief executive officer of the NKBA. “The Skilled Labor Fund has already distributed $300,000 to 30 high schools around the U.S., and we hope to impact 20,000 students over the next year.”
Darcy then used a pair of giant purple scissors for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and it was time to see the new tech in action.
“I’m excited to see what the students will produce,” said WHRHS principal Chris Kavcak. “It will be higher-level, and they can create multiple unique projects.”
Jeremy Willis, foundations of mechanical engineering and green energy teacher, showed how the CNC machine works. He programmed it to form the Skilled Labor Fund’s logo into wood, and it went to work cutting out letters and shapes with laser precision.
Adam Slack, teacher of technology education, and a co-advisor for the robotics team, added, “It’s so interesting to see what these students create in class. To watch them express their interests and intellect is great, and it validates what we do here.”
The students are equally enthusiastic about the new equipment, and all of them have different reasons why. Career hopes range from engineering to operating heavy equipment, but they share a mutual love for creativity.
One of the most valuable benefits of the program and obtaining the CNC is that it dispels misconceptions that today’s trades don’t have a strong technology component.
“I’m excited to work with the CNC machine in robotics,” Nirvani Mangru, senior, said. “For robotics, we need special shapes to build with, and this will make the process more efficient.”
Junior Brent Delghiaccio added, “We need to accurately make custom parts for robotics applications. The new machine brings value in the sense that it keeps our ideas and work flowing.”
At the end of the event, the students displayed the different company logos they created for every Skilled Labor Fund partner. Each one was carefully crafted and cut precisely into wood panels. It’s is an indication of the skill level they will continue to build and refine as students, and potentially carry into their professional careers.
