We’re proud to highlight a local program that’s helping students gain hands-on experience in skilled trades while supporting real community projects.
The Elizabeth High School Auto Shop Program gives students the opportunity to learn fabrication, welding and design skills while making visible contributions to their community. In partnership with local businesses and developers like Craft Companies, students construct durable, weather protected signage that enhances nearby developments and provides real-world project experience.
The program has grown tremendously since its inception in 2022: what began with only three students working on a community sign for Crescence in Elbert County, has now expanded into a full Intro to Welding class with 26 students. The program’s success is driven not only from student enthusiasm, but also from peer-led learning, when students who have completed the program mentor newcomers, accelerating both skills and confidence. This collaborative, hands-on approach mirrors the teamwork found in professional trade environments, giving students a chance to learn by doing and developing skills that will serve them long after graduation.
According to Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger, real-world projects play a critical role in the learning process, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a way that solidifies what they’ve learned while recognizing the real value of their work. “The signage process gave students something to be proud of and allowed them to see the positive impact they had within their own community,” Snowberger said.
The partnership between Craft Companies and the Elizabeth School District exemplifies community collaboration to support youth, as Craft eases financial barriers by covering supply costs while instructors dedicate their time and expertise to bring each project to life. The result is a mutual benefit: students gain tangible, real-world experience, and local developments receive high-quality, professional-grade, student-made signage that supports community growth.
From a district perspective, partnerships with local businesses are essential to expanding hands-on learning opportunities. Elizabeth relies on strong community partners to help students focus on pathways that are needed locally.
“As a district, we are only as strong as the partnerships we build,” Snowberger said, noting that support from Craft and other community partners has made it possible to expand opportunities for students.
Snowberger added, “Elizabeth is a community that strongly supports the trades, and the Auto & Welding program has truly transformed our school. While we offer several career and technical pathways, none have been as hands-on or as exciting for students. This program has attracted significant interest—sometimes engaging more than 20 percent of our student body, and today we’re seeing students advance through multiple levels of instruction and move into gainful employment right here in the community.”
Craft Companies’ ongoing partnership with Elizabeth High School reflects a shared commitment to “getting stuck in the solution,” creating lasting value through education, community investment and by empowering the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
