Ag mechanics instructor Cody Jordan doesn’t like sitting still. He’s happiest when he’s moving and creating value for himself and others with his hands.

Now, he’s helping teens at the Empower College and Career Center in Jefferson find exactly that kind of life for themselves — a “get-out-and-build-value” mindset that comes with hands-on abilities.

Jordan’s background is a case study in the value of learning by doing. Raised in a family-owned well-drilling business, he began gaining technical experience at a young age — plumbing, welding, wiring, and machinery work were all part of the job. By 15, he had his own crew.

“Since I was young, I’ve been doing that,” he said. “I don’t like sitting at home. I’ll get bored real easily.”

Although Jordan originally planned to become an engineer, the prospect of a desk job changed his direction.

“I didn’t like that; I’m an outside, hands-on person,” he said — a realization that ultimately led him to education, where he could pass along practical knowledge.

Now, as the ag mechanics instructor at Empower College and Career Center in Jefferson, Jordan is expanding student opportunities with the help of a $1,838.26 grant from HireSmart Cares, a Madison County-based nonprofit focused on workforce development.

The funding supports Empowers’ ag mechanics lab, where students get hands-on experience that bridges classroom concepts with real-world applications.

“We try giving them hands-on experience to prepare them for the next pathway,” Jordan said. “This grant is going to help us buy materials for the ag mechanics classes.”

The project impacts approximately 249 students across eight classes annually, providing access to electrical wiring stations, modern tools, and instructional scenarios that simulate agricultural and residential environments. Students learn to install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical wiring while working in teams to complete real-world tasks.

Students also receive formal instruction on electrical safety and be evaluated on their ability to complete wiring projects safely and correctly. Assessments will include hands-on performance, project completion, and knowledge checks through quizzes and instructor evaluations.

The Empower College and Career Center features a robust agricultural department with specialized tracks like plant science, animal science, and ag mechanics. Jordan teaches basic ag science, metal fabrication, and ag mechanics, and he’ll take on all upper-level ag mechanics courses next year.

In the shop, students learn to balance theory and application.

“In ag mechanics, there’s a lot of math,” Jordan said. “You’ve gotta’ understand what comes first to get that wire right.”

Safety is also a major focus.

“We push safety really hard here,” he said, explaining that he brought in a safety manager from a local company to reinforce real-world expectations. “He told them, ‘I’m just going to send you out the door if you do not have your safety glasses.’”

Students apply their skills through community-focused projects, like fabricating awards for another school district, making metal plates for a JROTC rifle range, or building a ceremonial fire pit for the VFW.

The program maintains strong ties with local employers to connect students with career opportunities. “I work really heavily with our work-based learning teacher. Companies will say, ‘Hey, we’ve got this job open. Do you have any students?’”

There’s also a focus on employability skills such as resume writing and interviews. Jordan supports students’ career goals with real-world guidance.

The HireSmart Cares grant directly supports the job readiness mission of Empower. With industry-grade materials and a structured implementation plan, students get hands-on training with practical value across agriculture, construction, and electrical fields. Students will leave the program not only with knowledge, but with confidence.

“The more practice you get, the better you get,” Jordan said.

HireSmart Cares is a Madison County-based nonprofit focused on providing the next generation with the time, tools, teaching, and technology they need to develop job-ready skills so they can find success without taking on deep debts for a college degree. To learn more, visit hiresmartcares.org.