Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College’s annual SparkForce Manufacturing Camp wrapped up another successful year, giving a group of middle school students the opportunity to explore advanced manufacturing through hands-on projects and interactive learning.
The four-day camp, held in partnership with SparkForce, welcomed nine students to the NLTCC Minden campus. Three of the participants returned after attending last year’s camp, a sign of the program’s growing appeal among young people interested in skilled trades.
Throughout the week, campers worked alongside NLTCC instructors while learning about manufacturing technology and technical career pathways. Students built miniature race cars and programmable robots using LAFVIN kits, created projects with 3D printers, and assembled a fan and a propeller-powered vehicle. They also learned to use common measuring tools, including rulers and calipers, before putting those skills to use while creating a “hooey stick” using hand files, nails, and hammers.
Heath Holley, dean of Manufacturing Technology at NLTCC, was among the instructors leading activities during the camp, guiding students through projects designed to develop problem-solving and technical skills.
The camp also received a visit from NLTCC Chancellor Jayda Spillers and Dr. Anne Case Hanks, associate vice president of Academic Affairs. Hanks, a former director of the University of Louisiana Monroe School of Sciences.
Spillers said the camp gives students an early look at careers that are in high demand while reinforcing the importance of what they learn in school.
“SparkForce Camp is an outstanding opportunity for young people to explore the exciting career possibilities available in manufacturing,” Spillers said. “Through hands-on activities and direct interaction with experienced instructors, students gain a real-world understanding of how math, science, and reading are applied every day in these high-demand careers. These experiences help students see the value of taking their middle and high school coursework seriously while inspiring them to pursue rewarding opportunities in Louisiana’s growing workforce.”
Campers remained engaged throughout the week as they assembled projects, tested their creations, and learned how manufacturing combines technology, engineering, creativity, and practical problem-solving.
SparkForce, formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. The organization partners with schools and colleges across the country to introduce students to manufacturing careers through summer camps that emphasize hands-on learning and exposure to modern industrial technology.
SparkForce camps are designed to encourage students to consider careers in manufacturing and skilled trades while helping address workforce needs by introducing technical education at an early age.
