School

Fort Walton Machining launches hands-on machining program at Edwins Elementary

The program will begin in February, providing hands-on experience in activities related to machining, such as 3D printing, to help spark inspiration and grow passions in the industry. This will be the first of its kind in the Okaloosa County School District.

Jared Williams

Fort Walton Machining kicked-off their new partnership with Edwins Elementary School by designing and creating a sign for the new entryway.

Fort Walton Machining assembles and manufactures custom-designed, precision machined parts.

According to the Okaloosa County School District, Fort Walton Machining is currently involved in the District’s Middle and High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This will be the first Elementary program they are involved in with the Okaloosa County School District.

At the sign unveiling, Principal Kathleen Armstrong presented Tim McDonald, Director of Operations at FWM, with a plaque for their involvement and dedication to the community, and expressed her excitement about their partnership.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers added, “you’ve been a huge supporter of Okaloosa Schools in general and to do this at the elementary level, where we really want to start with kids, is a big deal.”

The program will begin in February with 5th graders, providing hands-on experience in activities related to machining, such as 3D printing, to help spark inspiration and grow passions in the industry. This will be the first of its kind in the Okaloosa County School District.

Armstrong, and the representatives at Fort Walton Beach Machining, have put a lot of thought into making this work and meeting the needs of all involved, according to the OCSD.

“Creating the supply to fill the need is important,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Jeff Palmer. “One of the goals of our CTE programs is to meet the need of local employers by giving students the skills they need to enter the workforce immediately after high school graduation with industry certifications allowing them to apply for and fill positions above entry-level. We look forward to seeing great things come from this partnership!”

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