New Cary-Grove lab preps teens for careers in manufacturing, engineering

A new high-tech lab at Cary-Grove High School will help train students for potential careers in manufacturing and engineering, officials said.

Roughly 60 students enrolled in the computer numerical control classes this school year will learn how to code and gain hands-on experience on a variety of machines, including a CNC mill, lathes and routers, as well as 3-D printers, and laser and plasma cutters. Students also can test for National Institute for Metalworking Skills credentials.

"I feel like it will be a good career for me because it is all hands-on work, and I like to work with my hands," senior Hoscar Angeles said.

The class is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors from throughout Crystal Lake High School District 155's four high schools. At the end of the course, students might be able to secure apprenticeships with local manufacturers, said Michael Manning, industry and careers division lead at Cary-Grove.

"It's a unique lab that the kids districtwide will have access to," Manning said. "We can lay out the plan for them, if (manufacturing) is something they really want to get into. We can (develop) a four-year plan and get them directly into an apprenticeship upon graduation."

Barrington-based Swiss Automation donated a CNC Swiss lathe machine and funds to remodel two classrooms that previously contained drafting tables. School officials worked with the manufacturer to develop the CNC course. The Cary-Grove Rotary Club, Technology Manufacturing Association and the McHenry County Cooperative for Employment Education also donated to the effort.

"Teachers envisioned an entire lab around those machines," Manning said, adding local manufacturers approached the district years ago about a growing skills gap for industry jobs. "Interest is definitely growing. The manufacturing program has really taken off in the last four years. We're trying to use this lab to get engineering kids some exposure on the machines, as well."

Cary-Grove has relationships with several local manufacturing companies - Swiss Automation, Fabrik Molded Plastics of McHenry and Armin Tool and Manufacturing of South Elgin - that have hired its graduates and provided apprenticeship opportunities. Industry experts also have shared their knowledge with students in the classroom.

"The companies have been supporting these programs ... hopefully to hire on as many (workers) as we can produce," Manning said. "Our specialty is headed toward manufacturing and engineering. We're kind of just exposing our kids to as much industry around as we can so the kids have opportunities."