Building the Future: Eagle Point Students Learn Real-World Skills Through Industry Partnership

The sound of metal bending and sparks of curiosity now fill the Ag fabrication lab at Eagle Point High School, where students are gaining real-world skills on a 250-ton,12-foot press brake, a high-end piece of industrial equipment recently donated by local company KCI.

Valued at over $100,000, the press brake allows students to bend and shape metal using technology found in professional fabrication shops. For many, this is their first experience with large-scale equipment, and their excitement is evident.

Sophomore Brandon said it took only minutes for the new machine to catch his eye.  “I thought it looked pretty cool,” he said. “It’s high-tech and interesting, and I’d like to learn how to work on it.”

Brandon’s interest in fabrication extends beyond the classroom; he plans to pursue welding after graduation and attend trade school in Missouri. “I’ll definitely be in Mr. North’s class for the rest of high school,” he said. “This kind of work just fits me.”

Junior Austin agreed, sharing how hands-on learning has made a big difference. “We’ve been able to operate some parts and really get involved,” he said. “It’s great that we get to actually do things with it, not just watch.”

For juniors Collin and Wyatt, the experience has already become more, creating a bridge between classroom learning and workforce skills.

Collin, using the press brake for the first time this semester, says it’s changing how projects are approached. “For the FFA auction, we make parts faster and with less stress,” he said. “Once you understand the calculations, it just clicks.”

Wyatt, a senior, brings a unique perspective; he not only learns at school but also works at KCI, having been hired after showcasing his skills during a KCI visit to the EPHS Ag department. “At KCI, you have to be 18 to run most machines,” he explained. “Here at school, I get to be hands-on under supervision; it’s a great way to learn.”

Bringing the press brake to Eagle Point High School was a true community effort. KCI donated the machine after upgrading its own equipment. Several local businesses and tradespeople, including K-Bar Ranch and Josh Graves, volunteered their time, trucks, and expertise to transport and install the 40,000-pound machine, saving the school thousands in transport costs.

Ag. Mechanics instructor Mr. North said it all came together thanks to a shared commitment. “There were eight community members and one school board member involved, all from the trades,” he said. “They did it because they care about ensuring the next generation is ready to take their place when they move on.”

The donation has already enhanced Eagle Point’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, giving students real experience with industry-standard tools. The press brake is used in classes from Ag welding and fabrication to automotive, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications. 

The partnership with KCI shows how collaboration between schools and local businesses opens doors for students. Graduates like Wyatt are finding jobs tied directly to classroom learning, and more students are exploring careers in welding, machining, and fabrication.

“There’s a huge shortage of welders and fabricators,” said Mr. North. “We’re giving students the chance to step into good-paying jobs after high school, and the community is stepping up to make that possible.”

KCI’s Adrian Bransom, an Eagle Point graduate himself, played a critical role in the donation. He emphasized the long-term benefits: “We wanted to help the next generation learn the trade the old-school way, by working with their hands. Seeing students take that and run with it is the best part.”

With the press brake now a daily part of learning, Eagle Point High School students are developing technical skills and confidence to build, create, and shape their futures.

As Brandon put it, “It’s cool to know we’re working with the same kind of equipment the professionals use every day.”

To learn more about Eagle Point High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, visit www.eaglepnt.k12.or.us/ephs