Kent ISD — You might have thought Enzo Boone had just won the lottery with the way he pumped his fist and said “yes” when his name was called.
In a way, he had.
Enzo, who is homeschooled, was one of six students in the Kent Career Tech Center’s precision machining program to receive a $3,000 tool kit to help them pursue careers in manufacturing.
“We used to give the funds for scholarships, but it really did not make sense since, in this field, a lot of the employers will help with their education,” instructor Jon Sarver said, adding that the students often ended up not needing the monetary scholarship.
Most people in precision machining have their own tools, Sarver said, and owning a set often gives students an advantage when seeking manufacturing jobs.
The precision machining program has provided about $65,000 in tools over the past six years thanks to funding from the Gene Haas Foundation, Sarver said.
To qualify, a student must be working or planning to work in the manufacturing field or plan to attend a manufacturing training center.
Students also answered questions on how they would use and benefit from the tools, why they wanted them, and how their experience in manufacturing — especially precision machining — has shaped their career goals and industry perspective.
The precision machining advisory board reviews all applications and considers factors including the number of job shadows and employer visits a student has completed.
“My two years at (the Tech Center) have shown me that manufacturing is about much more than operating machines; it is about extreme accuracy and problem-solving,” Caledonia senior Austin Soper wrote as part of his application.
Austin also was one of the six to receive a tool kit.
“This experience convinced me that tool and die is where I belong, and I am ready to start an apprenticeship to build the high-quality parts that keep the industry running,” Austin said.
Hitting the Tool Jackpot
Linden Majerczak, a Cedar Springs Public Schools senior who already works at Betz Industries, said his company provides its own training program, making the tools he received especially useful as he plans to begin full-time employment there this summer.
“It means that I don’t have to spend my own money getting the tools, and I can focus it on other things, such as a house,” Linden said.
Forest Hills Central senior Christian Kock plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College this fall to pursue manufacturing. He said having the tool kit gives him an advantage in class since he does not have to borrow items.
Upon receiving his tools, Christian’s excitement grew as he began looking through the four-drawer red Pro Space tool box. He was pleased to find an indicator, which is used to detect, measure or signal changes in a system, among the pliers, punch set and other items.
Godwin Heights senior Hunter Longstreet was especially pleased to discover a micrometer set, which is used to measure small distances. Sarver said it is the most expensive item in the toolbox, at a price of about $600.
“I’m just really excited about the stuff and having my own tools at my job,” said Hunter, who also is also currently interning at Betz Industries and also hopes to work there full-time this summer.
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