Dual Credit Manufacturing Teacher Prepares Students for Future Success in the Field

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For nearly two decades, Matt Erbach has been preparing high school students for careers in manufacturing — now, his students are earning college credit while they do it.  

At South Elgin High School, Erbach teaches precision and advanced precision manufacturing courses offered as dual credit through Elgin Community College. This gives students a head start on both college and careers. That early exposure is already making a difference. 

“I feel like [my students] would be a good fit for ECC’s manufacturing program,” Erbach said. “They've got a few things in their back pocket that may give them a bit of an edge.”

In 2025, he received the Golden Apple Award, becoming the first high school manufacturing teacher to earn the honor in Illinois, Michigan, or New Mexico. He was also nominated for the Association for Career and Technical Education National Teacher of the Year in fall 2025. 

In his classroom, learning goes beyond the lab. One of his most impactful projects involves students making and assembling prosthetic limbs for individuals overseas. Over the past three years, his classes have helped produce more than 300 prosthetics.

South Elgin collaborates with other high schools in the U.S. to create the prosthetics. The project itself was created by a manufacturing and construction high school teacher from Alabama, Brian Copes. 

What surprised him most wasn’t the technical work, but how much his students connected to the purpose. Many of Erbach’s students move directly into the manufacturing workforce after graduation while continuing their education at ECC.

ECC student Soren Erickson is one example. After taking both of Erbach’s dual-credit courses,  Erickson gained experience in advanced machining and CNC manufacturing. 

He participated in several manufacturing competitions during his high school, and said he was able to use his skills as an apprentice with Haumiller. 

Erickson started working at the company during his junior year in high school in 2023. Haulmiller is providing a journeyman certification at ECC to him free of charge while he continues to work for them. Erickson said he hopes to eventually earn an associate degree.

Looking ahead, Erbach is excited for what’s next for his students. 

“I’m going to need to up my teaching game,” he said. “When they get to ECC, they’re going to have tons more opportunities than they do now. I have to make sure they’re ready for that.”