Jones Plastic and Engineering & Rev-A-Shelf Model Career Pathways Through a Multi-School Industry Tour
In the professional world, the transition from a classroom concept to a tangible product is a complex series of technical iterations. For many students, manufacturing remains a "black box"—a place where things are made, but the specific roles and skills required to make them stay hidden behind factory walls.
Recently, over 70 students from the Academies of Louisville stepped inside that process for a dual-location industry tour. By visiting Jones Plastic & Engineering and Rev-A-Shelf, students from Fern Creek, Iroquois, Jeffersontown, and Waggener High Schools explored the "pieces of the game"—the individual roles and human efforts that combine to form a global organization.
Seeing the Feedback Loop
The tour was structured to show students the full lifecycle of a product, moving from the molding facility on Plantside Drive to the Rev-A-Shelf headquarters. This transition allowed students to see how a digital design becomes a physical reality through professional equipment.
For Hayden, a junior in Waggener’s IT and Law pathway, the value was in the technical "feedback loop" of a professional environment. “I got to see the iteration of sending it out, coming back, receiving it, testing it, and scanning it,” he noted. By seeing professional CAD software in action, he was able to connect his classroom experience with Tinkercad to a concrete career goal in software development. “I would love to do something like... maybe developing the software for 3D printing and stuff…I'm just like a programmer,” he shared.
Similarly, Brendan, a Jeffersontown student in the Build and Design pathway, found direct applications for his goal of becoming a mechanic. He observed how 3D modeling and fabrication systems allow technicians to create specific, custom pieces—a skill he intends to take from the classroom to the shop floor. “If I need to fabricate something, I can make it with the training that I’m getting at school,” he explained.
The Human Element of Industry
A recurring theme throughout the day was the realization that high-tech manufacturing relies on a diverse range of human skills and collaborative effort.
The Scope of Organization: “I learned that everyone plays a key part in making such a humongous organization,” noted Uma, a student from Iroquois.
Value in Every Role: Pratika, a Fern Creek student, observed that while some people scan and others 3D print, every role is essential to the final shipment. "Everybody here is worth something…Every time they work, they somehow help out this industry," he said.
Real-World Accessibility: Brendan highlighted that the tour showed opportunities that don't always require a four-year degree. “It gives a good opportunity for kids in school to see what opportunities they have in the real world that aren’t going to college, and they can immediately get training and be on a job fresh out of high school,” he noted.
Ryan Jones of Jones Plastic highlighted that the company’s 60-year history in Louisville is built on this local talent. By showing students everything from entry-level packing to complex 3D engineering, Jones and his staff aimed to help students visualize their own place in the workforce.
Best Practices: Designing an Impactful Industry Tour
The collaboration between the Academies of Louisville and Jones Plastic highlights several best practices for engaging students in a professional environment:
Prioritize Interactive Discovery: Students gain more from seeing and hearing actual work than from seated presentations. Using tactile examples—like the 3D-printed "apple and banana" models—makes abstract engineering concepts tangible. “I’ve noticed one of the 3D printers can build a lot of stuff realistic,” Pratika remarked.
Showcase Diverse Roles: Effective tours move beyond a single department. Including perspectives from general management, HR, and technical staff helps students see a variety of entry points and growth opportunities.
Maintain Professional Standards: Logistical clarity is essential. Requiring safety vests and closed-toe shoes, and respecting the schools’ "no-phones" policy, reinforces the seriousness of the work environment.
Facilitate Small-Group Dialogue: With over 70 students, breaking into smaller groups allows for more authentic interaction. Students are more likely to ask questions about wages, benefits, and workplace culture in these settings.
Bridge the "Outside Voice" Gap: As industry partners, businesses provide a unique form of validation. Hearing a professional discuss the importance of dimensions or coding often carries more weight than a classroom lecture.
Building a Local Future
The day concluded with a pizza lunch where students and staff reflected on the morning's observations. This wrap-up is a critical step in turning an industry tour into a career blueprint. As Ryan Jones reiterated to the students, their part in the future is key and the skills they develop now are the foundation for the next decade of their lives.