Step into Valley Park’s new Industrial Technology space and it’s clear this room was built for action. This isn’t a place where learning stays on paper. It’s a space where students measure, build, test, adjust and try again. Thanks to the support of Prob B, this new area gives our Industrial Technology program the room and resources to grow, opening doors for students across multiple courses and career pathways.
The updated space directly supports students enrolled in Woods I, Woods II, and Woods III, as well as Design and Enterprise. For students in the Woods classes, the space allows learning to grow right alongside their skills. Woods I students focus on foundational safety, measurement and tool use, while Woods II and Woods III students take on more advanced builds that require planning, precision and independent problem-solving. The layout and equipment make it possible for students to work more efficiently and safely, just like they would in a professional shop.
Design and Enterprise students also benefit from the ability to move beyond ideas and into action. Instead of stopping at sketches or digital plans, students can design, refine, and test their ideas in real time. This hands-on approach helps them understand how creativity, engineering and business thinking all intersect, turning concepts into tangible products.
Looking ahead, the Industrial Technology program will continue to expand. Beginning next school year, Valley Park will introduce a new course focused on Small Engines, giving students hands-on experience with small-scale mechanical engineering. This class will allow students to explore how engines work, troubleshoot mechanical systems and develop practical skills tied directly to careers in mechanics and technical trades.
Industrial Technology courses play an important role in helping students discover career paths they may not have previously considered. For many students, this is their first time building something from start to finish, working with their hands and figuring things out as they go. These experiences help students better understand the skilled trades and the wide range of careers connected to them, from construction and engineering to manufacturing, design and entrepreneurship.
Mike Dothage, Industrial Technology instructor, sees the impact every day. “A lot of our kids haven’t had the chance to experience what it’s like to truly build and create or to understand what the skilled trades are really about,” Dothage said. “Right now, there are so many companies looking for employees in these fields. Industrial Technology gives students exposure to those careers early on and helps them see a future where their skills are valued. These classes can directly impact where our students go after graduation.”
Thanks to community support from Prob B, this new space represents more than an upgraded classroom. It’s an investment in student learning, career exploration and future-ready skills. By combining hands-on instruction, real-world applications and growing course offerings, Valley Park’s Industrial Technology program is helping students discover strengths, build confidence and prepare for the opportunities ahead.
Check out the new space by clicking the photo below: