C AREER SPOTLIGHT
STEVE TYPNER
ZACH BARTH
PRODUCTION LEAD When Steve Typner started working at Menasha Packaging Co., a subsidiary of Menasha Corp., in 2015, he began in an entry-level role in the shipping department at one of the manufacturing locations in Neenah. But Steve didn’t look at it as an entry-level job – he looked at it as a launch pad. He found opportunities to act as an informal leader, coaching others who started after him and finding areas where he could improve processes and efficiencies. Steve’s great attitude and forward-thinking initiative quickly caught the attention of leaders in the facility – and in just two years, he was promoted to a lead role. C u r r e n t l y, Steve is the lead of the folding/gluing production line – the largest department in this facility. He STEVE T YPNER makes sure the department runs smoothly and on time, utilizing the necessary machinery, materials, people and processes. Steve is also a member of the facility’s emergency response team and has received certifications from Fox Valley Technical College to prepare him for the role.
MACHINIST, YOUTH APPRENTICE Freshman year, Zach Barth was enrolled at Appleton West High School. After receiving an invitation from his school principal, he started at Appleton Technical Academy his sophomore year. A-Tech is a charter school for students to gain skills needed for a successful career in advanced manufacturing and industrial technology. “This was the turning point of my high school career,” Zach said. “When the class was introduced to a manual mill, I liked the idea that I could make something that looked professionally made and store-bought.” A-Tech teachers suggested that Zach apply for a manufacturing youth apprenticeship at A to Z Machine. His summer schedule was 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday
What makes Steve stand out to his employers is his eagerness to learn. He has sought out professional development opportunities, attending internal webinars and classes that teach skills beyond his job scope, such as data management, managerial skills and interviewing know-how. He is also taking advantage of the company’s tuition reimbursement program to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management. This shows Steve is not just doing a job – he’s looking for a career. And that, combined with his character traits of honesty, reliability and maturity, will certainly propel him to a long and successful one. n
through Friday. When the school year started, his schedule shortened to 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. After work, Zach goes to school. “At first, the idea of waking up at 4:30 in the morning was scary. Turns out it was not nearly as bad as I thought. In fact, I have grown to love my schedule,” Zach said. There are two main areas in the shop at A to Z: the tool room and the machine area. Zach currently works in the tool room. Duties include cleaning, calibrating, setting, sending out and retrieving all gauging in the shop. When not setting gauging, he helps co-workers set up and tear down tools for upcoming jobs. When running machines, Zach’s tasks include: machining small parts to specifications using machines such as CNC mills, a manual mill and a manual lathe; measuring and examining completed units in order to detect defects and ensure consistency; and etching work numbers, dates and other requested text into a finished product. Both positions require extreme attention to detail, teamwork, communication, determination, mathematics and the willingness to learn. He advised any young adult or parent to research more about youth apprenticeship programs. “It was honestly the smartest decision I have made,” Zach said. “It is going to be the backbone of my challenging and rewarding, long-term career. The hands-on experience in a real work environment is the greatest learning opportunity one can be offered.” n
ZACH BARTH
18
STUFF NE | Spring 2019
A PRODUCT OF BIZTIMES MEDIA