Students in Butler Tech’s Manufacturing Technology programs recently had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and connect with regional employers through two industry-focused events held at the Colerain and D. Russell Lee campuses.
At the Colerain High School campus, industry representatives attended an open house hiring event where students demonstrated their abilities in CAD/CAM, manual milling, and manual turning while interacting directly with potential employers.
The event focused on juniors preparing to begin their co-op experiences this summer. Fourteen students had the opportunity to showcase their technical skills while employers observed their work, asked questions, and offered feedback.
“Bringing in the employers helps the juniors interact with multiple companies without having to leave the school,” said Josh Younce, Manufacturing Technology instructor at Butler Tech’s Colerain campus. “It also allows companies to tell me if there is something I am missing in the machine shop that I can add to the curriculum. They are able to bring that up during the luncheon with the advisory meeting.”
Students also had resumes available and were able to begin building professional connections that could lead to co-op placements or future employment.
For junior Kristyna Kartye, the experience was both challenging and empowering.
“Being able to demonstrate my skills and talk with possible future employers was definitely nerve-wracking at times,” Kartye said. “But it gave me the opportunity to be confident in what I can do and showcase what I am capable of.”
She said interacting with a variety of companies strengthened her confidence in pursuing a career in machining.
“Being approached by such diverse companies gave me the confidence that I have great potential and that companies can see my determination to pursue this field,” Kartye said. “It also gave me hope, especially being a woman in this industry, that the future of machining can be a place of equality and opportunity for everyone.”
Younce said the experience allows students to receive valuable industry insight.
“The students get to interact with the employers and have real feedback about their machining techniques,” he said. “They were also getting good feedback on how they can improve their resumes. Students were more comfortable talking to employers at the machine.”
At the D. Russell Lee campus, students participated in the annual Machining Olympics, a long-running competition that challenges students to complete precision machining tasks while industry partners observe.
Jason Powers, Manufacturing Technology instructor at D. Russell Lee, said the event has evolved over the years.
“Over the years, the Machining Olympics has grown from a skills competition into a strong connection point between students and industry,” Powers said. “Students consistently say the most valuable part is networking with companies—learning what different manufacturers do, exploring career paths, and starting conversations that can lead to internships or jobs.”
During the competition, students applied skills in CAD/CAM, manual and CNC machining, print reading, measurement, and time management while completing parts under pressure.
“The event demonstrates the level of preparation our Manufacturing Technology students receive before graduating,” Powers said.
“Students are applying CAD/CAM, manual and CNC machining, print reading, measurement, and time management while completing parts under pressure. Just as important, they are developing the confidence and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s manufacturing workforce.”
Together, these events reflect Butler Tech’s commitment to preparing the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Through hands-on training, industry partnerships, and opportunities to demonstrate real-world skills, students in the Manufacturing Technology programs at both campuses are building the technical expertise and professional confidence needed to enter Southwest Ohio’s advanced manufacturing workforce.
