General Information

Machine Trades Partnership

KJ Tooling of Columbus, Ohio has partnered with the Machine Trades class at the Belmont Career Center to create a rewards program to help instill the value of attendance and grade point average.

KJ Tooling owner Ken Mills, along with tooling technician Russell Blake, a graduate of the Career Center's Machine Trades program, wanted to stress the importance of good attendance, attitude and skills when employers consider whether or not to hire new employees. "Industry is hard pressed to find individuals possessing the skills to become a machinist," explained Mills.

Blake stated, "Machining is a great opportunity for employment in the Ohio Valley. There are job openings in the immediate area for seniors graduating from the the program.

Instructor Bob Jackson said the rewards program will be offered to his students each grading period throughout their junior and senior years. Students will be rewarded with a different machining tool from KJ Tooling.

First reward recipients are Nathaniel Tracy, St. Clairsville, and Robert Ortiz, Harrison Central. Each student received a six inch dial caliper.

Pictured, from left, are Ken Mills, owner of KJ Tooling; Nathaniel Tracy, student reward winner; Bob Jackson, instructor at the Career Center; Robert Ortiz, student reward winner; and Russell Blake, tooling technician for KJ Tooling.