Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) gave area students an inside look at the world of advanced manufacturing during its four-day Metalworks Academy, where participants combined creativity, precision, and technology to experience the many facets of modern machining.
The academy began with students designing their own custom dog tags, introducing them to the planning and layout process used in manufacturing. Once their designs were complete, participants spent the next two days operating manual lathes and milling machines, building foundational skills in traditional machining while gaining confidence with industry equipment.
On the final day, students brought their projects full circle by using a CNC mill to manufacture the dog tags they had designed earlier in the week. Seeing their digital concepts transformed into finished products gave participants firsthand experience with computer-controlled manufacturing.
In addition to manual and CNC machining, students also worked with collaborative robotic (cobot) arms, gaining exposure to the growing role robotics plays alongside skilled machinists in today's manufacturing environments.
Pictured left to right back row Bryce Rexford (Assistant) Nathan Caughlin (Tonkawa) Anze Daine (Pawhuska) Kayden Lynes (Colorado Springs) Vincent Harlow (Ponca City), Garrison Lynes (Colorado Springs), and Morgan Lesemann (Instructor). Front row left to right Tinley Locke (Newkirk), Emry Windlow (Ponca City) and Maria Caughlin (Tonkawa).
Pioneer Technology Center's Summer Academies provide 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students with hands-on experiences that introduce them to high-demand career fields while allowing them to explore their interests through engaging, project-based learning.
For more information about Pioneer Technology Center's full-time career training programs and future summer opportunities,