CARDINGTON – The Morrow County Ready for Hire program at the Tomorrow Center in Cardington uses 3D Printing to teach high school students essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, adaptability and resilience.
The Ready for Hire program is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and is open to all Morrow County students in grades 9 through 12.
One of the most evident soft skills that has emerged through the 3D printing program is teamwork.
The collaborative nature of 3D printing projects requires students to work closely with their peers. Each student brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table, fostering an environment where collaboration is not just encouraged but essential.
For example, while one student may be extremely skilled with 3D modeling software, another might be a master at knowing the printer inside and out. Yet another student might be skilled at sanding, preparing and painting their finished 3D models.
These leadership experiences provide a hands-on opportunity for students to understand the dynamics of leading and supporting a team, skills that will undoubtedly serve them well in future collaborative projects and work environments.
Learning 3D Printing has also improved students’ communication skills.
While navigating new technology and vocabulary, students have learned to express their concepts and challenges effectively to their team members and those who might be less familiar with the technical aspects of 3D printing.
Clear communication ensures that every team member is on the same page and is working toward a common goal.
Lastly, students are learning to master adaptability and resilience. Students have experienced their carefully planned ideas not printing properly or falling apart as they tried to assemble and paint their pieces.
Technical glitches, material limitations or unexpected design flaws have required quick thinking and the ability to pivot. Participants in the program have learned early on that failure is simply a part of the creative process and allows them to learn from their mistakes and try again.
“As the program has continued and students have proudly completed and displayed their 3D printed creations, they have been learning that the program is not just about the objects they have held but the skills they have acquired,” explains Josh Hunter, lead teacher for the Ready for Hire program at the Tomorrow Center.
“The 3D printing lab has become more than a technical workshop; it’s a crucible for the forging of soft skills that will shape these students into adept, collaborative and resilient individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.”
Registration is open for the Ready for Hire program. Interested students should ask their school counselors for an application or contact Morrow County Site Coordinator, Becky Nolen, at Nolen.becky@moesc.net.