French Oil Mill Machinery Company and Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC) are long-time partners, creating direct pathways from classroom learning to careers in advanced manufacturing. Strengthened by a collaborative effort in 2015 through the Piqua Chamber of Commerce and the Miami Valley Manufacturing Council to address regional workforce needs, with early leadership from Mr. Daniel French, the apprenticeship partnership has grown into a successful program that continues to prepare students with the technical skills, work ethic, and real-world experience needed in today's manufacturing industry.
The apprenticeship program at UVCC combines career-technical education with paid, hands-on employment through registered apprenticeship opportunities at local businesses like French Oil Mill Machinery Co. Students receive classroom instruction at UVCC while working alongside experienced industry mentors, allowing them to apply what they learn in a professional manufacturing environment.
Throughout the partnership, French Oil Mill Machinery Co. has remained actively involved in student success. The company has employed apprentices from UVCC's Manufacturing and Machining Technologies program, provided material donations, hosted annual facility tours showcasing its global manufacturing operations and company history, and gifted personalized calipers to students. Company representatives also participate in UVCC events such as Explore Careers Day, helping students explore careers in advanced manufacturing.
“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when education and industry work closely together,” said UVCC superintendent Jason Haak. “French Oil’s commitment helps ensure students not only gain skills, but also have access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.”
Continuing its support, French Oil Mill Machinery Co. recently made a generous contribution to the UVCC Education Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Campaign. The campaign focuses on three key priorities: removing financial barriers so all students can fully participate, expanding access to hands-on learning experiences, and strengthening programs aligned with evolving workforce needs.
French Oil’s CEO, Ms. Tayte French Lutz, said being a strong community partner is one of the company's core values. “We have been in Piqua since 1900 so we want Piqua to succeed. We want Piqua to be a great place to live, work and play. That means having good schools and good education opportunities,” she said. “The more people we can educate in the community and stay in Piqua, the better Piqua will be.”
This donation directly supports those goals, helping ensure UVCC students are prepared for meaningful careers now and in the future. To learn more about the campaign or to make a donation, visit the Education Foundation page on the UVCC website.
Together, the partnership between UVCC and French Oil continues to serve as a strong example of collaboration between education and industry. As manufacturing continues to evolve, the shared mission remains the same: prepare students for successful careers while helping local employers build a highly skilled workforce for years to come.
About Upper Valley Career Center
Located in Piqua, Ohio, Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC) offers over 25 career and technical education programs to both high school students and adults. UVCC has been serving students for 50 years from multiple school districts in the Miami Valley region, providing hands-on training, industry certifications, and pathways to post-secondary education and careers. With a commitment to student success and innovation, UVCC is dedicated to providing the highest quality and most technologically advanced educational opportunities for students in a professional, caring environment while networking with the communities we serve.