Investing in the Future: Atlas Machine, Cutting Tools, MSC, and Welder's Supply Join Forces to Provide $30,000 in Tools and Supplies to Meade and Breckinridge High School Machining Programs

Atlas Machine & Supply, in partnership with Cutting Tools, MSC, and Welder's Supply, has taken a bold step toward strengthening the future of skilled trades by donating $30,000 worth of essential tools and supplies to the machining programs at Meade County High School and Breckinridge County High School. Each school received $15,000 in equipment and materials to enhance their machining programs, ensuring that students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in manufacturing and machining careers.

At Atlas, we believe in the power of education and the importance of fostering the next generation of skilled workers. We have long-standing partnerships with Meade and Breckinridge County Computerized Manufacturing & Machining programs, welcoming many co-op students and apprentices into our workforce. This investment is more than just providing tools—it’s about supporting educators, empowering students, and ensuring the longevity of the skilled trades that are vital to the industry.

A Transformational Gift for Meade County’s Computerized Manufacturing & Machining Program

Dean Monarch, Computerized Manufacturing and Machine Instructor at Meade County College and Career Center expressed profound gratitude for the donation, highlighting how critical these supplies are for his students.

"This donation is a major influx of many needed things that our regular budget does not allow for in a typical year," Monarch shared. "We used the funds to replace measuring tools, add cutting tools and safety equipment, and even introduced a welding machine, allowing us to provide students with basic welding skills."

The impact of this donation is immediate and substantial. "Because of these donations, our program is more up to date with industrial standards and can provide students with real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in manufacturing," Monarch said.

The supplies have already been integrated into student training, enabling them to gain hands-on experience with high-quality, industry-standard tools. Monarch noted that many of the school's dial calipers had been in use since the program was established eight years ago and had become inaccurate or damaged. Replacing just ten sets would have cost nearly a third of the program’s annual budget—an expense that this donation helped cover while still allowing for other critical purchases.

"Words cannot accurately express how much this donation means to our program," Monarch said. "It has allowed us to get ahead on many of the items we need each year. The crew at Atlas is always supportive and willing to help.”

Top Right Group Photo, Pictured Left to Right: Marla Moore (Atlas), Dean Monarch (Meade), Harold Morgan (Atlas), Robert Williams (Atlas), Travis Dunn (MSC), Josh Alexander (Cutting), Brian Higginbotham (Welders), Aaron Siegwald (Welders), April Topp (Cutting), Nick Sutherland (Meade)

Breckinridge County High School: A Vital Boost for a Limited Budget

For Breckinridge County High School, this donation was nothing short of critical. Instructor Kevin Shepard emphasized that without the additional support of local industry, their machining program would have a hard time continuing.

"This donation will replace a lot of worn-out measuring equipment and old tooling," he shared. "Our annual budget was limited to only $5,000 this year, and without the help of Atlas and these vendors, our program would have suffered."

The financial challenges faced by trade programs like Breckinridge County’s highlight just how important industry support is in keeping these programs alive. Without sufficient funding, students would not have access to the tools and training they need to develop real-world skills. Thanks to this sponsorship, the program can continue offering quality education and hands-on experience to future machinists.

Not only did this funding allow for crucial replacements, but it also enabled the school to acquire tools and supplies from vendors they would never have been able to purchase from due to supplier contract limitations.

"Because of the way this sponsorship was set up with Atlas, we were able to get items from vendors we never would have had access to before," Shepard noted. "This opened up new opportunities for our program that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible."

Beyond the donation, Atlas has consistently demonstrated a deep level of commitment to the Breckinridge County machining program. During a critical period when the school was in between instructors, Atlas stepped in—not only sustaining the program through equipment and financial support, but also through personal involvement and mentorship.

Rob Miller, Principal of Breckinridge County Area Technology Center, shared: “The support of Atlas sustained our program during the transition time between instructors. Their support went beyond equipment and financial support—they invested their personal time.”

That kind of partnership was essential to keeping the program viable during a vulnerable moment. Without an instructor, students could have easily lost momentum, training could have been paused, and interest in the program could have declined. But Atlas’s steady presence helped maintain continuity, showing students—and the broader school community—that the skilled trades matter and that they are supported by industry leaders who are truly invested in their success.

The Breckinridge County machining program is NIMS Industry Certified, and students work toward obtaining NIMS and OSHA-10 Certifications before graduation. Currently, the program serves approximately 40 students from grades 9–12, preparing them with the skills they need to enter the workforce.

Top Right Group Photo, Pictured Left to Right: Marla Moore (Atlas), Travis Dunn (MSC), Aaron Siegwald (Welders), Kevin Shepard (Breckinridge), Josh Alexander (Cutting), April Topp (Cutting), Brian Higginbotham (Welders), Brandon Heavrin (Atlas)

Atlas Machine & Supply’s Commitment to the Future of Machining

This initiative was driven by a strong desire to ensure the longevity of trade programs that are critical to the industry. Atlas Machine & Supply’s Chief Operating Officer, Erick Lawson, shared his thoughts on the importance of this investment:

"Many of our best machinists, co-ops, and apprentices come from these programs. We wanted to find a way to give back and ensure these machining programs continue to thrive. Skilled trades are the backbone of our industry, and without investments like this, these programs struggle to provide the necessary tools and training. Our goal is to keep the trade alive and strong for future generations."

Brian Higginbotham, Head of Sales at Welder's Supply, echoed this sentiment: “Our hope is that these tools will make a meaningful impact for the programs and in the lives of the young people interested in the skilled trades—and to make a difference in their lives and the future of our communities.”

Building a Stronger Future Together

This initiative represents more than just a financial contribution—it is a testament to the commitment of Atlas and our industry partners to ensuring that the skilled trades remain strong for generations to come. By working hand-in-hand with high school skilled trade programs, we help shape the future workforce, providing students with opportunities to develop skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Cutting Tools, MSC, and Welder’s Supply for their collaboration in making this donation a reality. Their partnership in this effort underscores the shared responsibility of industry leaders to invest in education and workforce development.

Atlas remains steadfast in our support of Meade County and Breckinridge County Computerized Manufacturing & Machining programs. The educators at these schools are doing invaluable work in training young men and women for careers in machining, and we are honored to play a role in their success. We look forward to continuing our partnerships, welcoming more apprentices and co-op students, and ensuring that the legacy of skilled trades remains strong.

To the students of Meade and Breckinridge County—your dedication to learning and mastering the craft of machining is inspiring. The future of the industry depends on skilled individuals like you, and we are proud to support your journey. Keep striving, keep building, and know that you have a network of industry professionals cheering you on every step of the way.