From Classroom to Career: The Talent Pipeline Manufacturing Needs, 524

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, JD Machine has spent decades investing in people rather than waiting for talent to appear. The result is a workforce pipeline stronger than ever in one of the most competitive hiring markets manufacturing has faced. Together, Kurt and Matt demonstrate what happens when educators and employers stop operating independently and start working toward a common goal. The conversation explores apprenticeship models, mentorship, recruiting strategies, soft skills development, and practical ways every shop can support local manufacturing education. Whether you're an educator, employer, parent, or industry advocate, this episode offers a blueprint for building the next generation of manufacturing talent. Segments (0:00) Mike celebrates his son's graduation and entry into manufacturing (1:43) Introducing Northridge High School and JD Machine's workforce partnership (3:13) Matt Wardle's journey building JD Machine through apprenticeship programs (5:40) Kurt Jensen's machining program and serving nearly 100 students (7:13) Check out the Hennig Workflow (an automated pallet delivery system) (8:04) Why Northridge's machining program continues to attract strong student demand (10:53) The importance of exposing students to manufacturing career paths (12:41) Building a machining program from scratch inside a public high school (14:26) How JD Machine supports schools and develops long-term talent pipelines (17:06) SkillsUSA competitions and strengthening industry-education partnerships (19:04) Convincing school leaders to invest in manufacturing education (21:06) How ProShop can help you achieve on-time delivery (25:22) Curriculum design, machining pathways, and Titans of CNC integration (28:03) How portfolio-based learning helps students land manufacturing jobs (30:01) Announcing A to Z Magazine's 40 under 40 issue (35:21) Why young people are rediscovering skilled trades and hands-on careers (39:01) Inside JD Machine's apprenticeship model and workforce development system (46:10) Teaching work ethic, accountability, and soft skills alongside machining (55:05) Why today's younger workforce gives manufacturing reasons for optimism (56:31) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (57:00) Practical ways employers can support local manufacturing programs (1:00:05) Becoming a cheerleader for manufacturing careers and workforce development (1:03:31) The growing challenge of finding future machining instructors (1:06:10) Why consistent workforce investment pays off over the long term Resources mentioned on this episode Matt Wardle from JD Machine Kurt Jensen with Northridge High School Check out the Hennig Workflow (an automated pallet delivery system) Get a free guide to help you achieve on-time delivery at ProShopERP.com/95 SkillsUSA Competitions  A2Z Manufacturing Magazine: How to nominate someone for their 40 under 40  Get a copy of A2Z Magazine  Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube