Cole Hill knows what he wants to do in a future career.

I want to build motors V-8s probably, said the Colfax High School junior who spends time racing at the Red Cedar and Jim Falls tracks.

But just what does one study to prepare to build big engines? Hunter Sullivan of Chippewa Falls, a Chippewa Valley Technical College machine tooling technics student, had some ideas for him at CVTCs annual Manufacturing Show on March 2.

He told me about their CNC (computerized numerical control) machines and the careers, said Hill, who thinks he will eventually enroll at CVTC but he is unsure which program he will choose. I havent looked at any other places.

Introducing people like Hill to careers in manufacturing is a big part of CVTCs Manufacturing Show, which attracted about 1,600 people to CVTCs Manufacturing Education Center. Wonders of modern manufacturing were displayed and demonstrated in CVTC programs, including automation engineering technology, industrial mechanical, machine tooling technics, welding/welding fabrication and manufacturing, nano and industrial engineering programs.

About 40 manufacturing companies were also represented, with display tables highlighting their products and job opportunities.

Sullivan, a 2015 Chippewa Falls Senior High School graduate, connected with Hill as another young man who likes to work with his hands. I just like making things, Sullivan said. I took shop classes in high school with manual lathes and I thought that was pretty cool. But what I learn here is way more than they teach you in high school.

Sullivan is already working in manufacturing, doing some part-time laser cutting work at Riverside Machine. Im not doing CNC work, but hopefully when I finish school they will keep me on as a machinist, he said.

Visitors to the Manufacturing Show were able to take part in hands-on activities, such as trying their hand at welding, building a tiny flashlight with the help of manufacturing engineering technologist students, or playing with projects like a billiards game made by automation engineering technology students.

This is an opportunity to show off new technology, said CVTC dean of manufacturing Jeff Sullivan. The Manufacturing Show brings together alumni and people in the area, and shows off student projects. Our manufacturing partners come in and show the things theyre doing.

More opportunity

Several area high schools sent bus loads of students to the event. They toured local manufacturing companies prior to the show. Other students came on their own, or with their parents.

Menomonie resident Tim Frank, a CVTC graduate, attended the event with his wife and son, Nathan.

Hes interested in coming here next year, Frank said of his son. Hes working at a machine shop in Menomonie after school now. He saw this show was available and asked to come.

I really havent decided what program to take, Nathan Frank said. But it will probably be something in the machining area. Its making stuff. Its hands-on.

Dawn Schrankler and her husband brought their daughter, Kelsey, from Neillsville to the show. Were trying to get her interested in more of a selection, said Schrankler. She wants to be a veterinarian assistant, but were trying to broaden her horizons and open her eyes to other areas.

Not all of the people attending the show to explore careers were high school students or even recent high school graduates. Some seeking to change careers found plenty of older CVTC students who have followed a similar path.

This program is fantastic, said Casey Schellhorn, an student in CVTCs automation engineering technology program who graduated from River Falls High School in 2010. I wanted more opportunity than I had working in food service. I was looking for something interesting and found this on the CVTC website.

Schellhorn was stationed where he could explain to visitors how to play a miniature billiards game and also the pneumatics, electronics and sensors that made the game work. Other students were at the event to explain what they do, what they are learning, and the exciting opportunities available to them in manufacturing careers.

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CVTC Manufacturing Show showcases opportunities, technology - Leader-Telegram