In Montcalm County, education isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about preparing students for real careers, real challenges, and real opportunities. That mission comes to life every day at the Montcalm Area Career Center, where students from across the county gain hands-on experience in career and technical programs.

On a recent episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host and producer Duane Weed sat down inside the Digital Art’s podcast studio with CAD and Engineering instructor Mike Johnson to talk about a program that is shaping future designers, engineers, and innovators right here in Montcalm County.

What makes the conversation even more unique? Duane Weed also teaches the Digital Arts program at the Career Center, meaning the podcast itself becomes a real-world learning environment—with students running cameras, directing the show, and producing content behind the scenes.

Mr. Johnson brings decades of industry and education experience to the classroom. After earning multiple degrees from Ferris State University, he spent nearly a decade working with architectural and engineering firms in the Grand Rapids area before transitioning into education.

That industry background shapes how the CAD and Engineering program operates today.

“When I was working in industry, I realized I was teaching new employees skills they should have already known,” Johnson explained. “That’s what pushed me toward education.”

Today, he focuses on helping students build those skills early—long before they enter the workforce.

Students typically begin the program as juniors, spending their first year learning the foundations of design through CAD (Computer-Aided Design).

But before jumping into computer software, Johnson starts with something simple: pencil and paper.

Understanding traditional drafting helps students develop visualization skills and learn how designs are structured. From there, students move into professional software such as AutoCAD, where they begin turning ideas into digital drawings.

As the year progresses, those designs can become real physical objects through modern manufacturing tools like:

3D printing (additive manufacturing)

Laser cutting

Plasma cutting

Students don’t just design objects—they produce them.

And sometimes, those designs start with requests from local businesses or community members.

During their second year, students take the next step into engineering design.

Using professional software like SOLIDWORKS, they begin working in a 3D parametric design environment, allowing them to create complex models that mirror what engineers use in industry.

Second-year students also participate heavily in competitions and team projects that simulate real engineering environments.

The focus shifts from simply drawing designs to solving problems.

One of the most exciting parts of the program is participation in statewide engineering competitions.

Students regularly compete through organizations like:

Square One Education Network

Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society

These competitions challenge students to design and build innovative solutions—often centered around vehicles, robotics, or autonomous technology.

Projects may involve:

Designing electric vehicles

Building autonomous systems

Programming sensors and controls

Creating full engineering presentations

But the biggest lesson isn’t just technical.

It’s teamwork.

Just like in real engineering firms, students must collaborate, debate ideas, and solve problems together.

While technical skills are important, Johnson emphasizes that some of the most valuable lessons students learn are soft skills.

Students develop:

Communication skills

Professional presentation abilities

Problem solving strategies

Team collaboration

Confidence

They also interact with judges, businesses, and community members during competitions and public events.

Those experiences help prepare them for the transition from high school to the professional world.

One unique feature of the CAD and Engineering program is its connection to the local community.

Students regularly take their work outside the classroom, participating in events throughout Montcalm County such as:

Old Fashioned Days

Edmore Potato Festival

At these events, students demonstrate 3D printing and manufacturing technology while interacting with the public.

Even better, local organizations and businesses often bring real projects to the classroom for students to design.

That means the work students complete isn’t hypothetical—it serves real needs in the community.

Students who complete the program leave with a wide range of future opportunities.

Possible paths include:

Engineering or architecture degrees

Technical drafting careers

Manufacturing and industrial design

Military technical fields

Direct entry into the workforce

Some students continue their education at universities like Ferris State University, while others move directly into industry with valuable experience already on their resume.

And sometimes, students discover new career paths they never considered before.

Programs like CAD and Engineering at the Montcalm Area Career Center give students something incredibly valuable—the opportunity to explore careers before they commit to them.

As Johnson puts it:

“Come here and see if it’s something you like. If it is, great. If it isn’t, you’ve learned that before spending years and money in college.”

That kind of discovery can make all the difference.  For more information on the Montcalm Area Area Career Center go to mymacc.com.

The Discover Montcalm Podcast highlights the people, businesses, programs, and events that make Montcalm County a vibrant place to live and work.

This episode not only showcases the CAD and Engineering program but also demonstrates how local educators are preparing the next generation of innovators right here at home.

And remember the message that helps keep Montcalm County strong:

Buy local. Shop local. Support local.

Discover Montcalm Podcast
Produced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLC
Celebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County.

Contact
Call 231-250-9624

Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time.

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The post CAD and Engineering at the Montcalm Area Career Center first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast.