Contact:
Taylor King
Economic Development Specialist
tking@cityofsunprairie.com
608-825-1196
National Manufacturing Month kicked off last Friday on National Manufacturing Day at E K Machine Co. Inc. in Fall River, WI with success stories from Sun Prairie High School students in the Youth Apprenticeship Program.
The afternoon started with words from several dignitaries thanking E K Machine for their participation in being a critical partner and model in school-business partnerships, opening students up to the career opportunities inside a modern day manufacturing facility and on the importance of manufacturing in today’s economy.
Nancy Everson, the School to Career Specialist at Sun Prairie High School, described their partnership in the Youth Apprenticeship Program with E K Machine over the past decade as extremely beneficial in opening the eyes to students about the many different career paths they can take within manufacturing. The Youth Apprenticeship program is an extensive program that students volunteer into with the option for a one or two year track. The students work in the mornings and then attend school in the afternoon. Additionally, many of the students are SkillsUSA members and take AP classes and/or courses at MATC on top of their apprenticeship and high school classes.
Current Youth Apprentice Keith Johnson and Sun Prairie High School Senior along with former apprentice and Sun Prairie High School Graduate, now current E K Machine full-time employee, Christian Sphatt talked on their experiences with the program. They both emphasized how the program wasn’t just something to have on your resume. They interviewed with E K Machine like any other prospective employee and proved that they had the skills to be part of the team. The process didn’t end with showing up and observing. Both students work each day like any other employee under the direction of department manager to help improve their skills and complete real projects.
The ultimate theme of the day was the time and support E K Machine dedicates to their school partnerships and their unmatched commitment to encouraging their employees to continue their education. They are moving the needle when it comes to filling the pipeline not only for their business but also for other manufacturing operations in the region.
If your business is interested in being a Youth Apprentice site please contact Nancy Everson, School to Career Specialist at Sun Prairie High School at nmevers@sunprairieschools.org.
