Students bored of the same old classes with the same old content may find a solution closer than they think. Mr. Jeff Hinshaw’s manufacturing classes offer a reprieve from the everyday book work. Mr. Hinshaw teaches Machining 1 and 2, and a senior capstone class, “Manufacturing Practicum.”. According to Mr. Hinshaw, one of his favorite classes to teach is the engineering class. By securing donations from Yorozu, where he was formerly an engineer, he was able to get engineering software. With that and computers donated from the business classes, he began to train students.

Mr. Hinshaw’s classes offer valuable training for careers like engineering, machining, and fabricating.  Students in the classes get the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects. Projects completed in the past include building bookcases for all CCCHS English classes, making computer desks for lab classes, and designing sports training and game equipment along with others. In some cases, the classes work together to complete projects. For example, the engineering class designs parts for a moon buggy that the machining class fabricates. In the spring, the moon buggy team goes to the the Rover Challenge at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama where they get to race the buggy they built in the class against others. Other teams include high school and college members.

A variety of lessons are learned by students in the manufacturing classes while participating in the projects. Timing and productivity are important lessons, along with safety in the shop or manufacturing setting.,  Other skills include interviewing, job placement techniques, and organization. According to Mr. Hinshaw, “Trust is a must,” for the students to successfully work in his shop.

Hard work and dedication are important parts of the  manufacturing classes, but the feelings of accomplishment and pride the students take from the projects make it worthwhile. Students interested in learning more about the manufacturing classes can contact Mr. Jeff Hinshaw.