Michigan’s bet on advanced manufacturing is now visible in two high school labs – one in Troy and one in Delton – backed by a 2024 state appropriation and a public-private partnership among LIFT, the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), Amatrol, and ATS Midwest.
The program, IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing, was rolled out for the 2025–26 school year at Troy Athens High School and Delton Kellogg High School. In perfect timing for Manufacturing Month, both schools held ribbon cutting ceremonies to celebrate the launch of this exciting new program which will equip high school students with the hands-on skills and industry-recognized certifications for the advanced manufacturing workforce.
Michigan manufacturers say their top constraint is talent aligned to today’s automated, data-driven plants. The program’s aim is to expose students to these potential careers earlier, with coursework, hands-on systems, and industry-recognized credentials embedded in high school.
LIFT CEO Nigel Francis framed the need succinctly: “At a time when Michigan’s manufacturing economy is rapidly transforming, it is essential that our education system evolves to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.” LIFT, a Detroit-based DOD-funded Manufacturing USA Institute, co-developed the IGNITE program alongside Amatrol to train high school students nationwide.
MMA President & CEO John Walsh recognized the acute need for talent here in Michigan. “The manufacturing industry is evolving quickly, and employers need people with talent and a high-level understanding of advanced technology and systems,” he said. “IGNITE prepares students for the future with rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.”
State support totals $1 million to pilot at the two schools, secured through MMA’s 2024 advocacy.
IGNITE is a multi-course sequence that blends career exploration with skill preparation. It includes modules across electrical systems, fluid power, mechanical systems, machining/CNC, PLCs, and digital/IIoT concepts, delivered through Amatrol eLearning, virtual simulations, and physical trainers. At the core of the program are student-driven projects. Mini-projects, team projects and capstone work tie concepts back to real manufacturing problems and build workplace skills.
The program is aligned to Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) credentials – certs developed with industry and recognized by employers hiring for Industry 4.0 roles.
One of the most powerful aspects of IGNITE is that it stacks credentials and bridges into post-secondary and employment pathways. Colleges across Michigan who deliver SACA certifications will recognize the skills IGNITE students have when they see their SACA certifications.
These credentials prepare students not only for immediate employment in roles such as industrial technician, CNC operator, automation technician or data-driven manufacturing support, but also for apprenticeships and technical college programs.
Read more about how the IGNITE program works.
Delton Kellogg in western Michigan and Troy Athens in eastern Michigan are the two pilot schools chosen by MMA to launch the IGNITE program through this new state-funded initiative.
Delton Kellogg opened its Amatrol + IGNITE advanced manufacturing lab with district leaders, regional economic-development officials, and project partners on hand. The local paper reported that DK manufacturing instructors Brad and Tess Knobloch earned the SACA C101 Silver credential over the summer, enabling the school to begin issuing student certifications.
“Barry County students deserve access to modern equipment and modern careers,” said Jennifer Heinzman, president and CEO of the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance, adding that the new lab shows what can happen when schools, the ISD, and employers “pull in the same direction.”
Superintendent Jeremy Wright called the program “real-world and relevant,” thanking LIFT, MMA, and the Legislature “for their vision and support of our students in creating these unique pathway opportunities in advanced manufacturing.”
On Michigan’s east side, Troy Athens High School hosted its kickoff with state leaders and LIFT, covered by local TV and regional outlets.
“The IGNITE curriculum allows students to learn by doing, and that hands-on approach makes learning more meaningful and impactful. We are proud to be among the first in the state to offer it,” said Mike Munaco, CTE director at Troy Public Schools.
The two pilot labs in Delton and Troy are giving students access to real industrial equipment, industry-recognized credentials, and the chance to graduate high school already industry-capable.
As these two schools roll out the labs and certification pathways, Michigan positions itself to feed its advanced manufacturing economy with talent coming directly from high school, ready to meet the needs of automation, robotics, digital systems and EV manufacturing. For an industry facing talent-shortage headwinds, this kind of collaboration between state government, industry association, innovation institute, school systems, and curriculum providers is a standout.
And this is just the start. The partners in this initiative plan to grow the number of IGNITE schools statewide, serving more students with modern manufacturing courses that could launch them into high-skill, high-demand careers.
To learn more about IGNITE or express interest in becoming an IGNITE school, contact ATS Midwest.
