Mitchel Wayne graduated from Durand high school in 2002, from the CVTC Machine Tool Program in 2004, and from the CVTC Tool & Die program in 2005. While attending Chippewa Valley Technical College, Mitch worked as a Machinist at Fastenal Company in Winona, Minnesota, and at OEM Manufacturing in Woodville, Wisconsin.

What Mitch likes about the machining trades is:

“The challenge that each day presents—some days each and every part is different. The level of precision that we work with on a day-to-day basis is very impressive, such as zero-fit tolerances used in the tool & die industry. This career field changes as fast as technology changes, from new cutting tool materials and geometries to machine tool capabilities.”

What Chad likes about the machining trades is:

“Having the opportunity to think of new and/or different ways of how to program, setup, and machine all different styles of parts. The possibility of things that machinists can make are endless; we are only limited by the size of the machine tools we use.”

What Mitch enjoyed most about CVTC’s Machine Tool and Tool & Die programs is:

“Learning how to run and program all the new machine tools that CVTC has received in the past three years. All of the hands-on learning that is required for both programs and almost all of the projects we made are usable tools. I also appreciated the encouragement from the staff to continue my education."

What Chad enjoyed most about CVTC’s Machine Tool program:

“Designing parts using MasterCam software and then machining those parts using the CNC machine tools. Troubleshooting any problems that may come up during the machining process is always a challenge. Making parts for my race car is one other thing that has been very interesting and educational. “