Framing Futures: How WireCrafters Is Molding Careers in Manufacturing
Chad Anglin with Danielle Roberts, a 2023 PRP Graduate
In the dynamic world of Kentucky manufacturing, WireCrafters is not just welding metal; they're forging a new blueprint for the future of manufacturing careers. Since 1967, this family-owned business has been crafting success stories, becoming the nation's leading producer of wire partition products. Now as a committed partner of the Academies of Louisville, they're bending the traditional pathways of education and employment to shape a workforce ready for tomorrow's challenges.
Blueprinting a New Approach
WireCrafters' commitment to workforce development began over a decade ago when the company faced challenges in recruiting employees. Spearheaded by HR Manager Anne Valois, the company initially partnered with the Kentucky Manufacturing Career Center (KMCC). While success with KMCC was mixed, it laid the groundwork for WireCrafters' involvement with the Academies of Louisville, a more comprehensive initiative implemented by Jefferson County Public Schools in 2017.
This partnership led to a robust collaboration with Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) High School, creating a skilled worker pipeline that benefits both students and industry. The alliance between WireCrafters and PRP High School stands as a model for how businesses and schools can work together to shape the future workforce, built on a foundation of necessity and strengthened through mutual dedication.
“These initiatives have yielded impressive results, with nearly one-third of WireCrafters’ welders having graduated from PRP. ”
Welding Education to Industry
The partnership provides PRP students with a variety of hands-on opportunities and valuable benefits, including:
Mentorship initiatives where WireCrafters employees guide students in the classroom and the workshop
Field trips to WireCrafters facilities
Summer employment at $18/hour for 40 hours a week
Senior year co-ops at $18/hour for 20 hours a week
Full-time employment starting at $20.50/hour after high school graduation, with full benefits after 90 days
Potential to earn $29/hour after two years of employment
A new Engineering co-op initiative, hosting two PRP students this year
Opportunity to start contributing to a 401k during co-op, with no age limit on 401k participation
These initiatives have yielded impressive results, with nearly one-third of WireCrafters' welders having graduated from PRP. This success highlights the effectiveness of the partnership between WireCrafters and Pleasure Ridge Park High School, where students receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced professionals. Through co-op programs and direct engagement with industry experts, students enhance their readiness for the workforce, equipping them with valuable skills for sustainable careers. Events like the recent Signing Day at PRP celebrate these achievements, underscoring the commitment of both WireCrafters and the school to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment for young welders. As this program continues to grow, WireCrafters aims to further increase the percentage of their workforce sourced from PRP, solidifying their role as a vital contributor to the local economy and the future of manufacturing.
Chad Anglin, Operations Manager at WireCrafters
Forging Connections
The success of this initiative is built on the strong foundation of collaboration between WireCrafters and PRP High School, particularly through the partnership of Chad Anglin, Operations Manager at WireCrafters, and David McCoy, a dedicated teacher at PRP. Their relationship forms the backbone of this successful partnership, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their transition into the workforce.
Chad emphasizes the mutual benefits of this partnership: “Mr. McCoy is the best thing since sliced bread. He makes working at WireCrafters a privilege. He makes sure they’re ready to come to us, and when there’s a problem with a student, he takes care of it.” This hands-on approach ensures that students receive practical, up-to-date training that aligns with current industry standards. As a result, PRP graduates enter the workforce not just with technical skills, but with a deep understanding of the manufacturing industry's expectations and culture.
Anglin's journey from a high school graduate who "hated high school" to Operations Manager at WireCrafters illustrates the potential for growth within the company. His 24-year tenure is a testament to the opportunities available in manufacturing for those willing to learn and adapt. And he is committed to raising up the next generation of manufacturing workers, also serving on the Academies of Louisville Guiding Team. This includes Danielle Roberts, a 2023 PRP graduate who began her journey with WireCrafters through a co-op in her sophomore year. Now a full-time welder, Roberts exemplifies how this partnership is opening doors for diverse talent, including women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Constructing the Future
WireCrafters' commitment to community engagement goes beyond recruitment. As Anglin emphasizes, "My goal is to give back, not just bring in." This philosophy has not only benefited the company but has also enriched the workplace, with students bringing fresh perspectives that challenge and improve leadership practices.
As WireCrafters continues to expand, driven in part by the increasing demand for wire cages in robotics-heavy factories, their partnership with PRP High School stands as a shining example of how industry and education can work together to create opportunities, build careers, and strengthen communities.
In an era where manufacturing is undergoing rapid transformation, embracing new technologies and facing evolving challenges, WireCrafters is not just adapting—it's leading the charge. By molding the next generation of manufacturing professionals, they're ensuring that the future of American manufacturing is as strong and resilient as the products they create.