Knoxville High School's Manufacturing Lab Aims to Fill Skilled Trades Gap

3M partners with Iowa school to transform industrial arts program and prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Knoxville High School in Iowa is undergoing a transformation, shifting its focus from traditional auto shop to advanced manufacturing. This change, fueled by a $383,000 grant from 3M, reflects a nationwide trend: a growing need for skilled workers in manufacturing and a recognition that the industry must evolve to attract the next generation.

Why it matters

For decades, Knoxville was known for its industrial arts programs geared towards automotive repair. However, teacher Sean Sanger observed a decline in automotive-related jobs due to increased vehicle reliability. This realization prompted a decade-long effort to modernize the school's shop class, culminating in the creation of the Future Makers Lab by 3M. This partnership aims to reshape the perception of manufacturing careers and provide students with the skills needed for the industry's evolving technological landscape.

The details

The Future Makers Lab is equipped with a welder, plasma cutter, mills, and other tools essential for modern metal fabrication. Students are also trained on Autodesk Fusion, a widely used design and manufacturing software program. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects. 3M's investment extends beyond equipment, as the company recognizes the need to reshape the perception of manufacturing careers and showcase the technological sophistication of modern manufacturing.

  • Knoxville High School has been undergoing this transformation for the past decade.
  • 3M provided a $383,000 grant to create the Future Makers Lab.

The players

Sean Sanger

A teacher at Knoxville High School who observed the decline in automotive-related jobs and led the effort to modernize the school's shop class.

Michael Stroik

The vice president of community impact for 3M, who recognized the need to reshape the perception of manufacturing careers.

Tracy Wilkins

The principal of Knoxville High School, who emphasized the importance of Sanger's persistence in securing equipment and building partnerships to the lab's success.

Carter Loukota

A student at Knoxville High School who initially enrolled in the industrial arts class with the goal of restoring a 1939 Pontiac, but discovered a talent for design and fabrication through the expanded curriculum.

Jarek Hoch

A student at Knoxville High School who enjoys the hands-on aspect of using the plasma table but acknowledges that design isn't his strength, highlighting the importance of diverse skill sets within the manufacturing workforce.

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What they’re saying

“If you have a project with a passion to do it, build something, the learning becomes easier.”

— Sean Sanger, Teacher (newsy-today.com)

“Something we learned is that people really respect manufacturing, but they're not connecting it to innovation, to technology, to the future of operate.”

— Michael Stroik, Vice President of Community Impact (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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