Students Learn Real Life Business Skills Through Hands On Class

A Class in Northwestern High School is Run Like a Business

Students at Northwestern High school are learning the ins and outs of working in a business, though a class called Tiger Manufacturing.

“The whole idea is to work with local manufacturers and local tech schools to create relevant learning experiences for the kids,” said Joe Letko, an instructor at Northwestern Highschool.

The class teaches welding and manufacturing, but that’s not all. When a client comes in with a request, the students also order the materials, work on quality control, and have to get the projects done on time, just like a real job.

“They also learn the business side of things, which they’re going to need when they leave here and go in to the work force,” said Letko. 

The projects that the students work on range from small items like cutting boards, to bigger objects like book shelves and even an ice shack.

The students taking the class say they enjoy the hands on aspect

“I like working with metal, wielding and stuff,” said Hailey Booler, a Junior at Northwestern. 

They also take comfort in knowing they are learning skills that will directly translate to jobs when they graduate

“Not like you’re reading a book of Shakespeare, it’s actual stuff you’ll be able to put to use in the real world,” said Hayden Anderson, a senior. 

The revenue the class makes from their clients goes right back in to the program.