On the Mark: Cromwell-Wright embraces industrial arts for students

It used to be called just "shop" or, in the '90s, at least in my son's school, "tech." But now, K-12 educators are according industrial arts its prominence as an academic subject, preparing teens for good-paying, skilled industrial jobs. This past Friday, Cromwell-Wright High School christened its new industrial arts building with a ribbon cutting by school board members and a tour by superintendent and principal Nathan Libbon.

It's been quite a journey. Some years back, voters in our area turned down a bond issue that would have provided funds for a grander expansion that would have happened sooner. However, administrators and the school board continued to prioritize the subject, finding funds to construct a less ambitious version. The need was obvious, as I observed several times when I went to solicit end-of-the-year student contributions for our community club's silent auction. One time, two classes were sharing the space. Shop teacher Paul Webster managed to keep his eyes on some-40 students, rushing here and there to prevent table saws from causing damage and shouting instructions across several octaves of human and machine noises.

In an interview late last week, Libbon laid out the expansion design project.

"We talked to past and current union leaders, asking them to work with us more closely and help articulate what skills are needed," he said. "We want our equipment and offerings to align more closely to what both employers and college programs seek."

Their research confirmed that important skills for high school industrial arts grads include drafting, welding, carpentry and finishing work.

They then set out to design the space. They wanted a safer learning environment, with enough space between equipment, materials and projects.

For carpentry, they sought bigger, safer spaces, especially for cabinetry. For learning construction skills, they sought the flexibility to build things inside and move them outside later. They worked to imagine and design the flow, including how and where to store and access wood, tools and incomplete projects. They designed a finishing room for painting and varnishing, ensuring it complies with ventilation and safety codes. They paid considerable attention to safety, including emergency cut-offs for the gas and electricity needed for torches and cutting tools.

Industrial technology is not just for guys. Libbon reflected that one young lady recently sought to prepare for a career that combines accounting and welding! She wanted to know both the business and technical sides of the industry she hoped to work in.

Although the Cromwell-Wright high school does not currently offer auto repair, it may in the future. It does offer instruction in small engines, and has always had girls in its industrial tech classes.

Industrial art covers more than just making things. Increasingly, students engage in considerable pre-construction design efforts. The better the design, the fewer the mistakes, and the faster the project progresses. They may draft on computer, using SolidWorks or computer-aided design to engage in production. In a centrally-located "clean room" furnished with computers and large plate-glass windows for gazing out at the industry around them, students will be able to design and test ideas for projects.

The new industrial arts teacher, Jeremy Rach, has experience in both teaching and engaging in everything from computer drafting to hands-on construction.

The high priority given to industrial arts reflects the job search experience of recent grads. "Maybe six out of 26 grads this past year are going to work in the trades, in occupations like plumber and electrician," Libbon estimated. Others are going on to engineering programs in colleges and universities in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

"It was a cold and crazy winter for a big construction project like this," Libbon reflected. "Low temperatures and all that snow really messed with our timelines. We still have some paving and landscaping to do, but the kids can get in and start using it as an educational tool. And it's very durable. The community has created a very usable space that's going to fit the industrial arts needs of our kids for a very long time."

Ann Markusen is an economist and professor emerita at University of Minnesota. A Pine Knot board member, she lives in Red Clover Township north of Cromwell with her husband, Rod Walli.