Ritchie Secures $17,000 to Help Belleville Henderson Students Gain Hands on Career Experience

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $17,000 to help students in the Belleville Henderson Central School District gain hands on experience that will help them to become more career-ready.

Funds delivered by Senator Ritchie have been used to purchase what’s known as a “PlasmaCAM,” a CNC cutting machine run via computer that’s used to cut and shape metal. The equipment is currently training students for future careers in manufacturing. 

“When it comes to educating students for careers in things like manufacturing, there’s no better experience than hands on experience,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I am pleased to be able to provide this funding, which is already allowing students to learn skills that will help them to hit the ground running when they embark on future careers in manufacturing.”

“This amazing machine isn’t just teaching students about manufacturing—it’s helping to introduce them to potential careers they may have not previously considered,” said Belleville Henderson Central School District Superintendent Rick Moore.

“I would like to thank Senator Ritchie not only for securing these funds for our district, but also for recognizing the importance of firsthand experience when it comes to the education of our region’s young people.”

In addition to helping students learn about manufacturing, the machine is also allowing them to learn business skills, as classes are selling items produced—like metal signs—using the machine.

(Attn. photo editors: A metal sign produced by Belleville Henderson Central School District Students is pictured above.)