Building the Future Workforce with Hands-On Experience – Empowering Students with Real-World Manufacturing Skills Using Torchmate® Plasma Tables
Career-Ready Skills Through Real-World Manufacturing Education
The Challenge
- Bridging the Skills Gap: Students needed exposure to real manufacturing tools and workflows to prepare for engineering and fabrication careers.
- Expanding Capabilities: Producing precise, repeatable parts was time-consuming and limited without CNC technology.
- Engagement Through Real-World Application: Educators needed a way to make engineering concepts tangible and aligned with industry expectations.
- Workforce Readiness: The program aimed to simulate a professional environment while teaching both technical and soft skills.
Introduction
Located in Wellsburg, West Virginia, Brooke High School’s engineering program goes far beyond textbooks. Inside a 6,000-square-foot shop, students operate in a simulated workplace—clocking in, collaborating across disciplines, and producing real-world projects that serve their community.
Led by engineering instructor Thomas Bane, who brings nearly 30 years of experience, the program is designed to prepare students for careers in engineering and manufacturing. As demand for hands-on, career-ready skills continues to grow, the school sought a solution to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application.
That solution came in the form of a Torchmate® CNC plasma cutting table from Lincoln Electric Automation.
Students not only learn technical skills but also operate in a professional-style environment. They manage project timelines, collaborate with peers, and build digital portfolios of their work—giving them a competitive edge for future careers or continued education.
About Brooke High School Engineering Program
Brooke High School’s engineering program is designed to simulate a real-world manufacturing environment. Students clock in and out, manage deadlines, collaborate across teams, and gain practical experience with industry-grade tools.
The program emphasizes both technical skills and professional development, ensuring students graduate with the confidence and capability to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers or higher education.
By combining hands-on training with real-world application, Brooke High School is helping develop the next generation of skilled workers ready to meet the demands of today’s evolving manufacturing industry.
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How the Torchmate Table Provided a Solution
In 2021, Brooke High School implemented a Torchmate® 4800 CNC plasma cutting table paired with a FlexCut® 80 plasma system, bringing advanced fabrication capabilities directly into the classroom.
The impact was immediate. Students began designing and producing their own parts using Torchmate CAD software, progressing quickly from basic cuts to complex, high-quality projects.
Intuitive controls and accessible software allowed both educators and students to get up to speed rapidly. Hands-on experience, peer training, and resources like Torchmate Academy helped students overcome the learning curve and develop real proficiency.
Students now train one another, mirroring real-world shop environments. Projects created in the classroom are used throughout the community, including work for local organizations such as fire departments.
The system also integrates seamlessly across the school’s engineering curriculum, supporting disciplines ranging from introductory engineering to aerospace and electrical programs.
Why Brooke High School Chose Torchmate
- Industry-Relevant Technology: Students gain hands-on experience with tools used in modern manufacturing environments.
- Ease of Use: Straightforward controls and CAD integration allow beginners to become productive quickly.
- Versatility: Supports a wide range of materials and project types—from artistic designs to functional components.
- Training and Support: On-site training, responsive technical support, and a smooth implementation process ensured success.
The Results
“The machine and software have been great and students have learned a lot. They now have digital portfolios they can use when applying to employers.” — Thomas Bane, Engineering Instructor
By integrating Torchmate® CNC cutting technology into its curriculum, Brooke High School has transformed its engineering program into a dynamic, career-focused training environment.
- Increased student engagement and hands-on learning
- Stronger career pathway development
- Real-world project experience benefiting the community
- Graduates prepared for modern manufacturing careers
“The projects we’ve made using the Torchmate have made me interested in pursuing manufacturing as a career after high school.”
About Brooke High School Engineering Program
Brooke High School’s engineering program is designed to simulate a real-world manufacturing environment. Students clock in and out, manage deadlines, collaborate across teams, and gain practical experience with industry-grade tools.
The program emphasizes both technical skills and professional development, ensuring students graduate with the confidence and capability to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers or higher education.
By combining hands-on training with real-world application, Brooke High School is helping develop the next generation of skilled workers ready to meet the demands of today’s evolving manufacturing industry.
Please click here to download the article as a PDF.
Here's Why You Should Choose Torchmate Tables! Watch the Video Below!Give us a call today at 1-866-571-1066 to learn more about Torchmate tables and get your questions answered! Check out our full range of plasma tables including our Torchmate 4400/4800 for small business and education here, our Torchmate X and XHD models for growing companies here, or our industrial Torchmate 5100 for all day production here. |
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