Manufacturing Co-Op Program: How Ace Wire Spring & Parkway West CTC Are Training the Next Generation

Ace Wire Spring & Form Co. is proud to partner with Parkway West Career and Technology Center to provide hands-on learning opportunities for local high school students who are eager to begin building their careers in manufacturing. Through this co-op partnership, students spend part of their school day at Parkway West and part of their day at Ace, where they gain real-world experience in the spring and wire form manufacturing industry.

This initiative gives students the opportunity to explore different areas of manufacturing while developing valuable technical and professional skills before graduation. The program is designed to prepare students for full-time employment and long-term growth within the industry, creating a clear pathway from the classroom to a career.

Learning the Trade Through Real Experience

Each Parkway West student who joins the co-op program at Ace Wire Spring follows a structured schedule that allows them to rotate through multiple departments within the company. Students gain exposure to areas such as spring coiling, grinding, heat treatment, wire forming, and quality control.

By experiencing each stage of the manufacturing process, students develop a well-rounded understanding of how precision components are made and how quality and teamwork contribute to customer satisfaction. The rotation also helps students identify which department aligns most closely with their interests and skills. After completing their rotations, students receive department-specific training with the goal of earning a full-time job opportunity after graduation.

Investing in the Future Workforce

Ace Wire Spring believes that partnerships like this one with Parkway West are essential to the future of American manufacturing. By training and mentoring young individuals who may not be pursuing a traditional college path, the company helps prepare students for meaningful and sustainable careers.

The co-op program not only benefits the students but also strengthens the workforce pipeline for skilled trades. It allows Ace Wire Spring to connect with motivated, hands-on learners who are ready to grow within the company and contribute to the continued success of the spring and wire form industry.

A Shared Commitment to Career Development

Parkway West Career and Technology Center has a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional career and technical education to students across the region. Through partnerships with local businesses like Ace Wire Spring, Parkway ensures that students have access to real industry environments, modern equipment, and professional mentorship.

Many Parkway students enrolled in programs such as automotive technology, auto body repair, and welding and fabrication have expressed interest in the manufacturing co-op opportunity at Ace Wire Spring. This growing interest demonstrates how valuable these partnerships are in helping students discover rewarding, long-term careers.

Learn More

• To learn more about opportunities within the spring and wire form manufacturing industry or to explore career openings at Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc., visit acewirespring.com.
• For information about Parkway West Career and Technology Center and its student development programs, visit parkwaywest.org.

RJ Froehlich

Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. is dedicated to educating the world about the critical role springs play in everyday life and industrial innovation. From small mechanisms to large-scale machinery, springs are everywhere—and our mission is to grow our business by helping others understand their importance and potential.

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