Michael Callies- Moraine Park Technical College - West Bend, CNC/Tool and Die Technologies

Scholarship Amount: 

• Wisconsin District: $1,500
• PMA Educational Foundation: $750
• Total: $2,250

Michael Callies is a student at Moraine Park Technical College in West Bend, WI. His interest in machining began in high school when, as a sophomore at Hartford Union High School, he started taking technical education machining classes. Enjoying the work, he continued with more classes during his junior year. In his senior year, Michael participated in the State Youth Apprenticeship Program at X-Cel Tooling in Iron Ridge, where he had worked for two summers doing lawn maintenance, shop cleaning, and assisting with machinery maintenance.

Impressed by his motivation and work ethic, X-Cel Tooling assigned Michael to production roles involving stamping dies and parts. This exposure sparked his desire to learn more about machining and tool making. During his senior year apprenticeship, he gained hands-on experience in assembly, grinding, heat treatment, CNC machining, cleaning blocks and operating Wire EDM machines, among other tasks. These experiences solidified his interest in pursuing a career in the field. 

Michael enrolled in the CNC/Tool & Die program at Moraine Park Technical College in the fall of 2024. He is particularly interested in becoming a tool maker in the plastics and molding industry. Through participation in the CNC/Tool & Die Club at Moraine Park, Michael has toured various companies and attended the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, enriching his understanding of the industry. 

Michael’s hard work has been recognized academically, as he has made the Dean’s List for academic excellence. Additionally, he was honored with the Wisconsin Technical Excellence Award during his senior year of high school.

Michael believes tool makers will remain in demand as new products continue to be developed. Receiving the scholarship supports his goal of completing his education, earning his journeyman’s card and establishing himself as a skilled tool maker. 

We wish you the best of luck, Michael!