Students from the machine tools classes at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) visited six different local companies that use those tools as part of a Power in Partnership field trip on Oct. 29 coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
Machine tools are power-driven machines used to make manufactured parts in various ways that include cutting, boring, grinding, or shearing metals or other rigid materials.
The students toured Progress Rail, Fran Bearing, A.C.E. Compressor Services, Universal Compressor Solutions, Mayfield Consumer Products, and Centrifugal Technologies, Inc. At each location, employees demonstrated their machine tools, explained how they contribute to the final product, and answered student questions.
“It was an awesome day for our machine tool students,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “Students asked good questions about the companies and future employment possibilities. We thank Universal Compressor Solutions for providing lunch and branded swag for the students. Thanks to Graves County Economic Development for organizing the trip and collaborating with us on Power in Partnership!”
“Progress Rail Services was honored to host the machine tools students for a tour of our facility,” said Vicki Morgan, Progress Rail’s Human Resources Manager. “It’s always rewarding to share what we do and showcase career opportunities within the rail industry. Engaging with future talent and supporting workforce development aligns with our commitment to building strong communities and a skilled workforce.” Progress Rail is one of the largest providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for global rail customers.
“We truly enjoyed hosting the students during their visit,” said Alex Cunningham, Fran Bearing. “It’s an honor to be part of a program that helps shape the future workforce by giving students a real-world look into our industry. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support and encourage the next generation.” Fran Bearing has been manufacturing quality components for centrifugal air compressors in Mayfield since 1986.
Jody Howell, Vice President of Sales & Operations for A.C.E. Compressor, said it was a real pleasure to be part of GCED’s career shadowing program. “It’s a huge opportunity for current students to see the types of industry located in Graves County as they plan for their future, as well as a great way for local businesses to see the local crop of up-and-coming professionals. If we impressed them with anything, I hope it was the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Graves County, and the fact that sometimes you have to make your own opportunity rather than look for it.” A.C.E. is a locally-owned company offering centrifugal compressor repair and rebuilding services to customers around the world.
“The recent visit to UCS (Universal Compressor Solutions) by local ATC students was an outstanding success,” said Owners Brian Davidson and Todd Pearson. “We found the entire group to be polite and professional, and they showed keen interest in the technical aspects of our business. As small business owners, we find these in-person interactions to be invaluable, and we are thrilled to report that one promising student who visited is now working for us on a part-time basis.” UCS is a specialized manufacturing company focused on precision repair and rebuilding of centrifugal compressor components used in heavy industry.
“Mayfield Consumer Products enjoys the Power in Partnership program visits,” said Wade Dinkins, MCP’s Human Resource Manager. “They provide us with an opportunity to engage with the students and connect with the community. The students ask great questions and are eager to learn about our operations. Working with these students is a great way to invest in our community’s future.” MCP, founded in Mayfield, is a leading producer of scented candles and home fragrance products for leading brands.
Michelle Arnett, Chief Financial Officer, Centrifugal Technologies Inc., said CTI is proud of to utilize local vendors to support their customers across the United States and internationally. “In support of this local collaboration, we always welcome the opportunity to partner with GCED and the ATC to reinforce the need for skilled employees in this area of Western Kentucky,” Arnett said. “Students that want to stay in this area to continue their education or directly enter the workforce utilizing their specialized trade skills will always be an integral component of the success of our local economy and in our case, the air compressor industry.” CTI, founded in Hickory in 2002, specializes in repair, maintenance, and re-manufacturing industrial air compressors.
“We are grateful to these local companies who do so much to support and encourage our ATC students, said GCED President Jason Lemle. “Their willingness to be partners in a program like Power in Partnership that requires an ongoing commitment of time and resources demonstrates their true dedication to this community.”
Power in Partnership is a collaboration between GCED and the ATC that brings local professionals to the school to share their expertise and experience with students and organizes field trips that take students to the workplace to learn more about their career interests. These companies and their employees provide information about pay/benefits, advancement/progression, training needed after high school, and other crucial details that help students understand and prepare for careers.
ATC’s machine tool technology program is designed to provide students with an understanding of machine capabilities, properties of material, and workplace practices in setting up and operating various machines. Students are taught the skills needed to position work pieces, adjust machines, and verify the accuracy of machine functions and finished products through classroom instruction, demonstration, and hand-on experience.
The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School. Power in Partnership visits are scheduled throughout the school year.