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Everything you see, from the device you’re using to read to the clothes you’re wearing is two steps away from a machinist.

Manufacturing is the largest industry in northeast Indiana, . It’s an industry known for good pay, benefits, and work/life balance. And, just like everything else, it’s turning to more tech.

Employers are looking for skilled workers that can come into the job prepared for the next big change. That’s why Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw’s Machine Tool Technology program exists. Meet the instructors who are crafting the careers of the next generation.

Meet Travis Herman

“I love machining from scratch. I love seeing the process of taking a plain piece of steel and going through making it match the print.”

Machine Tool Program Chair Travis Herman brings 10 years’ experience to Ivy Tech, but he never expected to become an instructor—let alone work as a machinist.

“I accidentally got in the tool room,” he admits. “I was a rework welder and got to where I didn’t enjoy it. There was an apprenticeship bid up at one of the companies, and I signed up for it just as I was trying to get out of my position.”

Herman got his start at Ivy Tech in the apprenticeship program. His instructors were flexible with his work and course loads—an experience that led him to teach.

“One of my apprentices made a joke that I should apply for the instructor position because I enjoyed teaching. So, I applied, and they actually ended up wanting me on their team.”

Being on the other side of the classroom isn’t as easy as it looks. He always thought giving lectures on safety and running machines was the instructor taking the lazy route. Now, he recognizes it’s necessary to get the students running the machines as safe as possible.

Out in the machine shop is where adjunct instructors and the dynamic duo of Herman and Ron Franklin come to life.

“I like teaching a lot more of the manual machines. Manual mill and surface grinders are two things I really enjoy running. Ron’s really good with CNCs.”

Meet Ron Franklin

Instructor Ron Franklin is committed to leaving his footprint on the machine tool program before he retires, and there’s a huge goal he’s working towards: expansion.

He recognizes the need of employers throughout the region—oftentimes getting calls asking for recruits. But more than helping grow the local economy, he’s focused on helping students get better jobs with better pay.

“Our school has a mission to help Indiana residents obtain better pay or better jobs for their family and future,” says Franklin. “We [in machining] are the epitome of Ivy Tech. We came here as students for a reason, and now we’re here helping others as instructors.”

After 20 years of industry experience, Franklin was ready for his next opportunity, so he came to take classes at Ivy Tech. The late John Walter was the Dean at the time and asked Ron to teach.

“I was like ‘I’m not a teacher, I’m the last person anyone would want to teach’. I kind of blew it off but liked the idea of going back to school, so I took another class. John was the teacher in that class, and by the end of the semester, he had me talked into it.”

Eleven years later, Franklin has been influencing the success of machine tool graduates by sharing his experience and industry connections with students.

Franklin stresses that machine tool students don’t have the typical college classroom setting. They’re getting hands-on, real-world experience with different machines that employers are looking for.

“Our students want to get out there and learn on the machines.”

Cutting-edge education

Take a step inside the Steel Dynamics, Inc. Keith E. Busse Technology Center, and you’ll find the College’s very own machine shop complete with dozens of large-scale equipment like lathes, mills, manual grinders, and CNC.

Both Franklin and Herman are huge advocates for making sure students leave the program prepared to operate a diverse array of machines and understand the mechanics behind them.

“My style in the classroom is more setting the bar and making people move past that bar just like you do in real life,” says Franklin. “It’s not ‘hey, let’s do some math and talk about it.’”

The program enforces deadlines and teaches discipline, two skills valued by employers. Another important aspect of machining stressed by instructors is safety.

“Safety, safety, safety. One of the biggest things is making sure you're safe and protecting yourself,” Herman says. “Unfortunately, some companies don’t always look at the safest route but the quicker shortcut. I preach to my students take a little bit longer to make sure you’re a little bit safer.”

As he cautions, try to leave work with all your fingers intact.

The future of machining

As of July 2024, production workers and supervisors made up number one and three of the Hoosiers by the Numbers most frequently listed jobs. It’s an industry that is constantly looking for the talent Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw graduates bring.

But will the introduction of robots begin taking away jobs? Franklin doesn’t believe that will happen anytime soon.

“There have been more robots introduced to machining, but we haven’t perfected those yet. I don’t think they will be replacing any of us anytime soon.”

Franklin predicts AI will integrate fully into factories before robots take over the machine shop floors. With the future of AI, he believes there will be more efficiency and accountability.

Even so, Franklin and Herman recommend getting a degree for more job security than going into manufacturing without one. In fact, found that workers without college degrees are more likely to be impacted by the addition of AI and robots.

“If you don’t have the degree, you’re second place,” Franklin says. “That piece of paper tells your employer that you can persevere. You’re dedicated.”

Join the next generation

The machine tool program is constantly on the lookout for more students. Ivy Tech offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to balancing work, school, and life, and it pays off.

“I think my favorite thing is to see people persevere through the program, which sometimes cannot be easy when you’re working full time and trying to go to night school,” Herman says. “Maybe you’ve got kids. But then you graduate and get the benefits.”

To learn more about the machine tool program,