Urbana High School’s UHS Manufacturing program, offered in partnership with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore design, engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology. The program is designed as a four-year progression, allowing students to build their knowledge and skills as they advance through high school. Students work with real tools, technology, and industry-focused projects while developing important skills in problem-solving, creativity, project planning, and teamwork.

Students begin with Intro to Design & Development, where first-year students are introduced to woodworking, welding fundamentals, computer-aided design (CAD), and the process of taking an idea from concept to a finished project. In their second year, Welding Technologies allows students to build more advanced fabrication skills while learning proper safety procedures, equipment operation, welding techniques, and precision. During the third year, Automation & Robotics (Computer-Aided Design) introduces students to automation, robotics, and advanced CAD applications, helping them understand how digital designs are used to develop real-world products and systems.

The fourth-year Industrial Robots & Cobots course gives students the opportunity to work with advanced robotic and collaborative technologies used in modern manufacturing environments. Through each level of the program, students gain practical experience while exploring potential careers in manufacturing, engineering, welding, robotics, automation, and design. The partnership with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center helps connect classroom learning with career and technical education opportunities, giving students a strong foundation as they prepare for college, technical training, apprenticeships, or careers in today’s evolving workforce.