Meet Lane – Tool & Die Maker at Schatz Bearing
Lane Mitchell has been working at Schatz Bearing Corporation for the last 11 months as a Tool & Die Maker, and he’s also the newest feature in our video about careers in manufacturing. The Council of Industry’s project, Go Make It, has recently worked with Stage 6 Media to create a video that would highlight Lane’s journey as a toolmaker.
Lane was in high school when jobs within the manufacturing field first struck his interest. However, similar to many other high school students today, he was discouraged from pursuing this career path. Lane’s guidance counselor believed that his strong scholastic performance suggested that an academic path would be more appropriate for him. This prevented him from being a part of his local BOCES program.
Despite the discouragement from his guidance counselor, after high school Lane attended Alfred State College to pursue a degree in Machine Tool Technology. Two years later he received his degree and began his career within the manufacturing field. Prior to his career at Schatz, Lane had 2 other jobs within the field, one as a machinist and another as a toolmaker. He’s extremely satisfied with his decision to pursue a vocational career path, and wants to encourage others with similar interests to not get discouraged if people are unsupportive.
Lane appreciates that everyday at Schatz is different. He’s tasked with creating smaller tools that become a part of much bigger machines to help them run efficiently. Lane said his favorite part of the job is “being able to see something come out of nothing.” Each part doesn’t turn out exactly like the last, which forces him to adapt and overcome small challenges everyday. The satisfaction that Lane receives each day from performing his job is reassuring to him that he chose the right career path.
Lane enthusiastically shared this story with The Council of Industry, and hopes that it will inspire other students who are also interested in manufacturing. Go Make It strives to inform students and educators about careers in advanced manufacturing in an effort to lessen the skills gaps in the Hudson Valley. To learn more about Lane’s job as a Tool & Die Maker at Schatz Bearing check out the video here!
