CARDINGTON, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Tomorrow Center in Cardington is home to the Morrow County Ready for Hire program, an innovative initiative that uses 3D printing to equip high school students with essential life skills. The program, open to all Morrow County students in grades 9 through 12, runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.
The Ready for Hire program is not just about mastering the technical aspects of 3D printing. It’s about fostering an environment where collaboration is essential, communication is clear, and adaptability and resilience are the keys to success.
Teamwork Through Technology
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, from 3D modeling software expertise to proficiency in preparing and painting finished 3D models. These 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.
Communication in the Digital Age
Navigating new technology and vocabulary, students have learned to express their concepts and challenges effectively. Clear communication ensures that every team member is on the same page and is working toward a common goal.
Adaptability and Resilience: Lessons from the Lab
Students are learning to master adaptability and resilience. 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.