Since starting the Spartan Manufacturing program in December 2022, the School District of Superior has seen many successful students walk through the Technical Education wing at Superior High School.
Spartan Manufacturing is a student-led, student-run manufacturing business within SHS. The program allows students to learn hard and soft skills as they participate in a classroom enterprise that impacts the greater Twin Ports area. With that experience, Spartans learned how to work with clients, build relationships, create projects that deliver and provide a new business model for those interested in a career in manufacturing.
One partnership that has stood out to the school district, its students and families is the special relationship with Exodus Global. Aside from providing financial support when possible, Exodus has opened its doors to SHS classes through tours, job shadowing, lectures and training. It has even offered a scholarship program that helps students pay for college.
The First Scholarship Recipient to Full-Time Employee
Superior 2024 graduate Liden Johnson was the first to receive the Northwood Technical College scholarship from Exodus.
“I’ve walked the floor here at Exodus so many times,” said Johnson. “I think the first time was when I was in Cub Scouts. This place is so different now.”
Johnson originally planned a career in astronomy or meteorology, but found a passion for manufacturing during his junior year of high school. He loved Spartan Manufacturing’s hands-on approach, which helped propel him to the trades.
“I really like to think of the trades like Legos,” said Johnson. “There are so many pieces you put together, and I realize I did this! It feels good to be more hands-on.”
While at Spartan Manufacturing, Johnson learned the business side of manufacturing and the processes of working with clients.
“Once I decided I would like to pursue a career in manufacturing, Spike Gralewski, my Spartan Manufacturing adviser, sent me a message showing me the scholarship,” said Johnson. “The application process through Northwood Tech was pretty easy. They reached out to Exodus, and later, I was interviewed.”
Once Johnson received the scholarship, he started attending classes at Northwood Tech in the fall of 2024 and then his internship at Exodus. After a full year of school, he graduated in the spring of 2025. Johnson then moved into his full-time role as a welder.
“There are so many opportunities in manufacturing,” said Johnson. “The job stability is great. I really think people should consider more than just welding. Maybe in the future, I might be able to move up in the company.”
“He’s been a superstar since he walked in,” said Tonya Land, Director of Corporate Communications at Exodus Global. “I remember when I was giving a tour and he raised his hand, saying, ‘I would like to work at Exodus.’ We could make that happen without taking on student debt, which is amazing! He comes in so happy every day, it’s awesome.”
Building A Foundation Through Scholarship Opportunities
Finding the right people with manufacturing experience has been a challenge for Exodus.
“The Twin Ports is a small area and we are all competing for the same manufacturing laborers,” said Land. “We went to high schools and saw what Spartan Manufacturing was doing, and it’s a fantastic program. We realized that when the students graduate, they are well prepared.”
Recruitment, Retention and Community are the three areas Exodus focuses on when looking for the right person and creating the best relationship possible within the Northland.
“Our owner, Murray Johnson, is originally from Superior, and giving back to the community is important,” said Land.
To help tear down barriers, Exodus established a fully funded scholarship with Northwood Technical College. This allows students to attend classes for free while they receive an internship opportunity with Exodus. Upon graduation, the student agrees to work at Exodus for a specified time. The welding program requires a one-year commitment, and the machining program requires about one to two years.
The scholarship is open to students in three majors at Northwood Tech: Welding, CNC Machining and Draft Technician. Applicants can fill out the application as incoming or already enrolled students. Once they submit it, Exodus will interview them and select them later.
“It took us a couple of years to get schools to know about the scholarship,” said Land. “I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the Spartan Manufacturing advisers Adam Kuhlman and Spike Gralewski. Their students really know what they are doing.”
Future in the Industry
During several recent tours, Superior students have engaged more with manufacturing programs. During the first summer school “Manufacturing Boot Camp” class, middle and high schoolers asked if they could job shadow and visit the Exodus warehouse.
“As a woman in this field, it’s great to see,” said Land. “I’ve had several conversations with females interested in manufacturing. There is such good job stability in this industry, and seeing young girls come in and be curious, that personally is exciting to me. It’s fantastic to see kids have more exposure to a higher approach. They take these classes in the school district, and when they come here, they can see how it applies in the real world. The questions the kids had were just fantastic.”
“I think any student interested in this field should apply for the scholarship,” said Johnson. “The process was easy, with no college debt and a career guaranteed after school. There’s so much need for the trades.”
“I’m so excited for this partnership with Spartan Manufacturing,” said Land. “I see us continuing to grow. We had them make charcuterie boards last year for clients. It’s just awesome to see what they can do.”
David Coy is Communications/PR Specialist for the School District of Superior.
