Work Based Learning

Hamilton Community Schools 7th graders recently had a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in skilled trades and manufacturing during the district’s annual Skilled Trades Day. The event, part of Hamilton’s growing Work-Based Learning initiative, brought in professionals from several local companies to demonstrate real-world applications of engineering, design, and automation.

Representatives from Transmatic, Mission Design and Automation, Haworth, Royal Technologies, Plascore, Artiflex Manufacturing, and Hil-Man Automation set up interactive stations to engage students in critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. At one of the stations, students learned how robotics and automation work together in modern industry.

“You guys see that green light flashing on the end of the robot? That’s the laser underneath the table looking for where the ball lands,” explained Parker Bos from Mission Design Automation. “We’re showing students what automation is and how it’s used every day in manufacturing.”

At another station, Jonathan McCulfor, a Process Engineer at Plascore Inc. introduced students to the concepts of tolerances, 3D design, and blueprint reading.

“I’m one of the chemical engineers at our company, but today we’re talking about mechanical engineering and machining—how to understand dimensions and tolerances,” McCulfor shared.

Tricia Zondervan, a Hamilton High School graduate and one of the three employees representing Transmatic, highlighted the importance of exposing students to these opportunities early.

“We’re here to show students what tool and die and manufacturing are all about,” she said.

Bos added that Hamilton’s program stands out among area districts.

“It’s super cool Hamilton offers something like this. Students get to explore all kinds of manufacturing careers in seventh grade and continue learning about different industries throughout high school. By graduation, they really understand the opportunities available locally. I wish I had something like this when I was growing up because you just don’t know about all the career options that are out there.”

As part of Hamilton Work Based Learning Programming, events like this aim to help students discover their interests and strengths long before graduation. From engineering and electrical work to design and automation, students saw firsthand that manufacturing encompasses far more than assembly lines—it’s a field rich with innovation, creativity, and opportunity.

“Other school districts don’t have this type of opportunity for their students,” added Zondervan. “It’s something very unique for Hamilton, and it’s making a difference.”