From Classroom to Career: The Talent Pipeline Manufacturing Needs, 524
About this episode
This episode explores the partnership between Northridge High School and JD Machine in addressing the manufacturing skills gap through education and workforce development.
In manufacturing, everyone talks about the skills gap. Fewer people talk about the relationships, systems, and long-term commitment it takes to solve it. In this episode of MakingChips, we continue our GenCNC series by exploring a powerful partnership between Northridge High School and JD Machine, a collaboration that is creating a steady pipeline of young manufacturing talent and proving that workforce development doesn't happen by accident. Kurt Jensen has spent more than two decades teaching and inspiring students, but his machining program at Northridge High is unlike most. Built from scratch just six years ago, the program now serves nearly 100 students and gives them hands-on experience with machining, programming, inspection, and real-world manufacturing concepts. Through relentless recruiting, industry partnerships, and a passion for exposing students to the trades, Kurt has created a program that students actively seek out. On the industry side, Matt Wardle of JD Machine shares how workforce development has become one of the company's most important strategic systems. From registered apprenticeships and structured career pathways to internships and community involvement…
More episodes of Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
- How a 19-Year-Old Built a Tight-Tolerance Machine Shop, Ep #532
- Win a Machine, Grow Your Team: One Shop Owner's Playbook for Smart Growth, Ep #531
- The AI Everyone Will Actually Care About at IMTS 2026, Ep #530
- Why Starting a Machine Shop Felt Less Risky Than Another Corporate Job, Ep #529
- The Fast Eat the Slow: A Strategy Playbook for the Future of Your Machine Shop, 528
- Stop Complaining About the Skills Gap and Do This Instead, Ep #527
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders podcast page.