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The Advanced Talent Management/Workforce Development Award will be presented to the manufacturer that has demonstrated excellence in workforce development through employee retention, recruitment, and training. We will seek evidence of the utilization of educational workforce development opportunities and secondary or post-secondary education from community colleges, universities, or workforce boards to support the development of a pipeline of skilled and qualified new and existing employees.
In a period where American manufacturers are facing serious challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers, Ketchie—a precision CNC machine shop in Concord, North Carolina, is taking action to bridge the gap between manufacturing and the next generation.
“We are proud to be manufacturers,” said Courtney Silver, President and Owner of Ketchie. “There is real dignity and purpose in what we do. We make things that matter. But for our industry and country to thrive, we must help students understand that they can have a good future here.”
A CNC Machine Shop That Connects Hands, Heads and Hearts
Founded in 1947, Ketchie is a third-generation precision machine shop with a reputation for quality, consistency, and integrity. The company delivers competitively priced, high-quality machined parts to American manufacturers on time. But the deeper mission is about more than just parts, production, and the bottom line. It’s about people.
“Our mission and core values call us to make it easy,” explained Courtney. “That means we invest in people, in processes, and in new machining technology so that our customers can focus on what they do best and have confidence in their supply chain for precision machined parts.”
Ketchie’s passion for mentorship and community impact helps accomplish their commitment to make it easy for American manufacturers. Believing in the potential of young people and the future of American manufacturing, the company kicked off Opportunity Knocks in 2023—a job shadowing program designed to introduce high school students to the world of manufacturing in a real and relational way.
Opportunity Knocks: Opening Doors to Careers and Next Steps
Opportunity Knocks invites students to “try on” manufacturing by job shadowing experienced machinists and manufacturing professionals in a real-world environment. They get a first-hand look at the inner workings of a high-tech CNC machine shop and see virtuous skills in action from their mentors.
The program spans a full semester and introduces students to every area of the operation—from the front-office to the shipping department. The major emphasis is on CNC milling and turning. But what makes the program successful isn’t just the exposure to machining technology and operations—it’s the people.
“The core of Opportunity Knocks is the mentor relationship,” said Andy Silver, Sales and Marketing Manager at Ketchie. “We pair each student up with mentors who are passionate about their craft and open to sharing their story. When students and mentors connect and a bond forms, that’s when the real impact is made both personally and professionally”.
Each semester the program has continued to evolve to give students a more complete view of manufacturing. The current Opportunity Knocks students are gaining valuable hands-on exposure to the manufacturing industry through a series of meaningful field trips. During a recent visit to one of Ketchie’s customers, they saw firsthand how splined shafts machined at Ketchie are critical components in industrial electric motors. The visit included a technical presentation on how these motors function and their applications in both commercial and military settings. Students also had the chance to sit in on a real-world sales meeting, giving them insight into how Ketchie builds strong customer relationships and consistently works to exceed expectations. During a visit to UNC Charlotte’s College of Engineering, the students sat in on a project meeting between Ketchie and senior engineering students who are designing a custom mist collection solution for our Blanchard surface grinder. The Opportunity Knocks group asked insightful questions and stayed fully engaged, showing just how powerful real-world learning can be. On their supplier visit, they connected the dots by seeing where raw materials are sourced and learning why reliable material supply is critical to keeping the supply chain moving. These experiences are equipping students with the context, confidence and curiosity needed to succeed in today’s manufacturing world.
The last few weeks of the semester, students design and create a model part that they help machine on a vertical CNC milling center. This project gives them real, hands-on experience—starting with creating a drawing and going all the way through quoting, purchasing material, receiving, cutting it on the saw, machining it on the mill and finishing up in quality.
This isn’t your typical internship or career day. The program is structured, intentional, and personal. For two hours a day, three days a week, students shadow mentors in a real-world manufacturing environment. On the fourth day, they meet in a classroom setting to participate in the Craftsman With Character® curriculum that creates space to slow down and discuss both personal and professional growth as a group. The CWC sessions encourage students to reflect on what they’ve seen and learned, share takeaways, and talk about what’s needed to succeed in a career and life.
Opportunity Knocks is not just an introduction to machining; it is a structured pathway that links students with real-world learning experiences, mentorship, and career opportunities in manufacturing. The program’s success is evident through its direct impact: students like Miguel and Cesar, who faced uncertain futures after high school, have chosen to pursue full-time careers as machinists at Ketchie.
Why We Do This Work
For Ketchie, investing in the next generation isn’t just good for business, it’s the right thing to do.
“There’s a gap between high school students and the manufacturing industry,” said Courtney. “And we have a responsibility to bridge it. Too many young people graduate without a clear direction, unaware of the opportunities right here in their backyard. We believe every student needs a chance to discover a path that leads to purpose and success—and manufacturing offers just that.”
By providing early exposure and real-world experience, Opportunity Knocks gives students a clearer picture of what a manufacturing career looks like—and the confidence to pursue it.
“We’ve seen students who had no idea what they were going to do after graduation light up when they step onto the shop floor and understand that people need and rely on the parts we machine,” Andy said. “They see people who enjoy what they do. They see the pride in craftsmanship. And for the first time, they imagine themselves in that life. That’s rewarding!” One of the highlights of the semester is when students invite their families to see what they are learning and to meet the mentors who support them. The sense of pride and accomplishment on their faces is truly undeniable.
Making It Easy—for Students, for Customers, for American Manufacturers
Ketchie’s mission is to make it easy for American manufacturers to focus on what they do best and have confidence in their supply chain. That means more than producing precision machined parts—it means building relationships with young people and their families in the community to have a strong, sustainable workforce that can meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Through Opportunity Knocks, Ketchie is not only filling the pipeline with future talent but also reshaping perceptions of what manufacturing can be.
“When students see the dignity and purpose in machining and how manufacturing is just like a team sport, with the dynamic and competitive environment, they get really interested and start to see themselves being a part of the team,” said Andy. “It’s exciting. We’re working with high-tech machines, very tight tolerances, and automation to make complex parts for American manufacturers.”
In addition to investing in workforce development, Ketchie continues to invest heavily in new machining technology and process improvements. From Collaborative Robots to a horizontal machining center with 6-pallet automation using a Palletech systems for lights-out, high-mix, low-volume production to multi-spindle lathes with live tooling and AS9100 aerospace quality certification, Ketchie stays at the forefront of precision manufacturing while cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.
“New technology matters a lot,” Courtney emphasized. “But it’s only part of the equation. The real difference is made by team members programming the machines, solving problems, and finding better ways to be more competitive for our customers.”
A Model for the Industry
Opportunity Knocks has already drawn attention from educators, workforce boards, and economic development leaders across the country. The NCMEP Leadership Award affirms that what’s happening in Concord is worth celebrating—and replicating.
“It’s about showing students what’s possible,” said Courtney. “It’s about helping them find a path. And it’s about restoring the dignity of work. We need more companies willing to open their doors, share their stories, and invite the next generation in.”
Ketchie hopes this recognition will encourage other manufacturers to invest in workforce development by starting job shadowing or mentoring programs with local high schools.
“We’re not just trying to fill our own talent pipeline,” Courtney added with a smile. “We’re trying to make a big impact. Our whole industry benefits when students see that manufacturing is a dignified and worthwhile career.”
Looking Ahead
With growing interest and a track record of results, Ketchie plans to expand Opportunity Knocks in the coming years, partnering with more schools and offering deeper experiences for students.
The long-term vision? A vibrant, skilled, and values-driven manufacturing workforce that sustains America’s strength and prosperity.
“We are proud to do our part,” said Courtney. “But this is bigger than Ketchie. This is about making sure that the next generation knows: You are needed. You are capable. And there is a place for you in manufacturing.”
About Ketchie
Ketchie is a third-generation CNC machine shop in Concord, NC. Since 1947, it has served American manufacturers by providing high-quality, precision-machined parts delivered on time and at competitive prices. With a team-driven culture, state-of-the-art technology, and a heart for mentorship, Ketchie is committed to making it easy—from quote to delivery.
