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Whitko Career Academy launches two‑year manufacturing academy pilot with local firms
Summary
Whitko Career Academy announced a two‑year, 12‑student manufacturing academy pilot in partnership with Paragon Medical, AMETEK, Micropulse and CNA Tool, including weekly industry rotations and paid internships in year two; a media day and student signing were scheduled.
Whitko Career Academy (WCA) officials announced a new two‑year Manufacturing academy pilot that will partner the district with Paragon Medical, AMETEK, Micropulse and CNA Tool to provide hands‑on, industry‑integrated training for students.
Chris Benedict, speaking for the Career Academy, said the pilot will enroll 12 juniors in the first year. During year one students will take part in weekly on‑campus manufacturing instruction and rotate weekly among partner businesses on a nine‑week schedule to see operations firsthand. In year two, Benedict said, participating students will be eligible for paid internships at one of the partner firms.
Benedict described the program as a collaboration between the academy’s precision‑machining program and business partners; administrators plan a media and marketing day on March 24 and a student signing/open house on May 15 to introduce families and employers to the pilot. Benedict also highlighted recent student career experiences, including a virtual reality orthopedic career exercise and work‑based learning placements.
District and academy staff said the program is intended to give students direct exposure to advanced manufacturing careers and to strengthen ties between local employers and Whitko students. The Career Academy reported more than 60 students participate in work‑based learning or capstone experiences district‑wide, and the school will host an orientation night for CTE programs on May 15.
