From Classroom to Craft: Students Build Real-Life Skills

Students at Eagle Point High School are gaining more than technical skills in the Career Technical Education (CTE) program; they’re gaining real-world experience that connects classroom learning to future careers.

Inside Mr. Langston’s manufacturing and engineering labs, students begin with an idea and follow it through every step of the process. Designs created on computers can become real products using equipment like CNC machines, 3D printers, wood shop tools, and metal fabrication equipment. 

“We have all these different labs, so you get to go all the way through the process, starting with design and then taking your project through wood shop, metal, or 3D printing,” Jaxon DeVette, EPHS Sophomore, explained.

For this student, the hands-on experience has helped shape future goals. “I want to go into engineering, and it’s a really great opportunity,” Jaxon said.

Currently, students are applying their skills to a real-life project for the Applegate Valley wine region. Through a grant from the Oregon Wine Country License Plate program, students partnered with the Applegate Valley Vintners Association and community members to design and produce signage for wineries throughout the Applegate Valley.

The project allowed students to work as a team while applying technical and problem-solving skills to meet real client needs.

“Honestly, it was pretty cool to be able to get to be a part of this project,” the student said. “As the process went on, I got more and more invested.”

Students designed the signage using computer-aided design software, programmed CNC machines to cut the pieces, and fabricated the hardware needed to assemble the final signs.

“The kids are so smart and creative. They did the design work, programmed the machine to cut out the signs, and then they’re putting it all together in a final project.” Rachael Martin, with Red Lily, described. 

The collaboration highlights the impressive skills students are developing, and Applegate Valley Vintners Associationis excited to be involved with the project. 

Students say projects like this are a powerful example of how manufacturing and engineering labs at EPHS have evolved to prepare them for the workforce.

“It’s one thing for students to learn the lessons and make their own projects,” Principal Heather Marinucci said. “But when you start incorporating real-life business, estimating costs, working through the design process, and delivering a finished product, that experience is invaluable.”

For students, the opportunity to work on a real commissioned project adds a new level of motivation and engagement.

“It really helps you understand how things work outside of high school,” Jaxon said. “With these CNC cuts, it’s like being commissioned if you were working at a company somewhere.” 

Projects like the Applegate Valley signage demonstrate how these programs can connect students with their community while giving them meaningful hands-on learning experiences. And for the students involved, the result is something they can point to with pride.

For more about Eagle Point High School’s Career Technical Learning pathways, please visit www.eaglepnt.k12.or.us/ephs 

Eagle Point High School would like to thank @trishglose for the video coverage and production.