Building Connections Between Classrooms and Careers: Highlights from CMMA’s 6th Annual CTE Jamboree!

CMMA hosted its 6th Annual Career & Technical Education (CTE) Jamboree on November 20 at Big Lake Senior High School, bringing together manufacturers, educators, administrators, and workforce leaders from across Central Minnesota. This annual November event continues to serve as a bridge between classrooms and industry, helping communities develop the workforce of tomorrow.

This year’s lineup featured experts in engineering education, labor market trends, grant funding, and youth apprenticeship—followed by tours of Big Lake High School’s CTE and FIRST Robotics programs and the advanced manufacturing operations at Precera Medical.

Below is a speaker-by-speaker recap with key takeaways, quotes, and real-world examples of how these initiatives are taking shape across the region.

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce in the Age of AI

Jason Bruns – Director, Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence

Jason Bruns opened with an energizing look at how artificial intelligence, automation, and smart manufacturing are reshaping career readiness. He emphasized that students must gain both technical and human-centered skills, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

“AI isn’t here to replace people—it’s here to elevate the people who know how to use it,” Bruns said.

He highlighted examples from Minnesota schools where students are already using AI to support engineering design, automate shop processes, and analyze robotics performance—showing how early exposure helps students build confidence with emerging technologies.

“Students who learn to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and solve problems creatively will thrive in this new era.”

Aligning Learning with Labor Market Realities

Luke Greiner – Labor Market Analyst, Minnesota DEED

Luke Greiner walked attendees through current labor trends and the urgent need for better alignment between what students learn and the jobs that exist in Minnesota.

“The future isn’t around the corner—it’s already here,” Greiner said. “Students can’t aspire to careers they’ve never seen.”

He shared examples of students discovering machining or automation careers only after interacting with local employers or touring manufacturing facilities—illustrating the transformative role of real-world exposure.

Funding the Future: Navigating Minnesota’s CTE Grants

Jonah Barten – Data & CTE Specialist, Resource Training & Solutions

Jonah Barten helped demystify Minnesota’s CTE grant opportunities. He emphasized that the strongest applications highlight collaboration between schools and manufacturers.

“The most competitive grants demonstrate partnership and shared purpose,” Barten noted.

He referenced districts that successfully secured equipment funding after manufacturers helped document workforce needs, cost-sharing plans, and student impact—all leading to deeper long-term relationships.

REAL Apprenticeship: Linking Students Directly to Industry

Wade Olson & Matthew Vogel – Work-Based Learning Leaders, Big Lake High School

Big Lake High School presented its REAL Apprenticeship Program, a standout example of how students can gain meaningful, paid experience before graduation.

Recent REAL apprentices have:

• Operated CNC machines under supervision
• Supported quality control and measurement tasks
• Assisted welding departments with layout and fixture prep
• Contributed to drafting and engineering prototyping

“When students see their work on an actual production floor, everything becomes real,” Olson said.

Vogel added:

“Industry partners aren’t just employers—they’re co-educators helping us shape career-ready graduates.”

Several REAL participants have transitioned into full-time manufacturing roles or continued into technical and engineering programs.

YST in Action: Preparing Future Talent at Precera Medical

Shane Hybben – Director of Engineering & Operations, Precera Medical

The final presentation came from Shane Hybben, who shared how Precera Medical’s Youth Skills Training (YST) program gives high school students a safe, structured entry point into medical device manufacturing.

Students in Precera’s YST program gain real, hands-on experience such as:

• Learning precision measurement
• Supporting basic machining operations
• Assisting with cleanroom preparation
• Observing implant machining and surgical instrument assembly

Hybben emphasized how exposure changes perceptions:

“When students walk into our facility, they realize modern manufacturing is high-tech, fast-paced, and mission-driven,” Hybben said. “They see that these are careers with purpose—and pathways for real advancement.”

Precera has already hired multiple former YST students as interns and entry-level technicians.

Tours: From Classroom Innovation to Medical-Grade Precision

Big Lake High School CTE & FIRST Robotics (Team, SpudInc 6709)

Attendees explored engineering, machining, automation, and robotics spaces where students learn skills directly tied to manufacturing careers. The FIRST Robotics team demonstrated how competition robots are designed, programmed, fabricated, and tested.

Precera Medical

The facility tour highlighted the advanced, high-precision environment where implants and surgical instruments are manufactured. Guests saw CNC machining centers, cleanroom operations, quality systems, and engineering workflows that support global medical technologies.

A Powerful Day of Partnerships and Possibilities

The CTE Jamboree remains one of CMMA’s most impactful programs—connecting manufacturers and educators to strengthen Minnesota’s talent pipeline. This year’s discussions and tours reinforced the same message:

Career readiness happens when education and industry build it together.

If your school or business is looking to strengthen CTE programs, explore apprenticeship opportunities, or collaborate on workforce development, this event is a key starting point.

To stay connected to these important conversations and see local manufacturing in action, click THIS LINK and be sure to join us for upcoming CMMA monthly meetings.

About the Author

Douglas Cook, CEPA® is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Business Broker, a Board Member of CMMA, and the Owner of Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting, LLC.