In the heart of Kosciusko County, apprenticeships have been developed due to the great opportunity for hands-on learning in the orthopedic manufacturing sector. These programs provide focused opportunities for the next generation of employees. Medartis US is shining a spotlight on its involvement in the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Pathway (RAMP) program, a collaborative initiative designed to equip high school students with the skills, experience, and professional connections needed to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.
Through close partnerships with Warsaw Community Schools, Orthoworx, and local industry leaders, Medartis has played a key role in helping young people bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
“The benefit to our students is that they get to learn from our industry leaders in the orthopedic manufacturing space, apply their classroom skills to the workforce, network with employers, and develop valuable soft skills that will propel them to better opportunities within these sectors. Partners like Medartis are investing time and talents, which makes a difference in the growth of our students,” said Ben Barkey of Warsaw Community Schools.
Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline
The RAMP program aligns closely with broader regional workforce development efforts led by Orthoworx and its partners.
“RAMP and the other two manufacturing academies — ManufactureED at Whitko Career Academy and POLYWOOD Academy through the Pathways Career Center at Wawasee High School — are critically important in our overall talent development and retention strategies,” said Allyn Decker of Orthoworx. “Equipping young people with the knowledge and skills — and credentials — to begin advanced manufacturing careers directly out of high school helps us create that talent pipeline that’s so critical to sustained growth.”
Decker emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration. “Conversations happening between industry, K-12, and higher education partners help ensure that curricula are relevant and timely. When industry professionals show up in the classroom and facilitate extended work-based learning experiences, students benefit in tangible ways. They’re learning the skills employers say are critically important, and they get to experience early career success. Medartis leaders have played a key role in RAMP’s early success and have helped create a template for others in the state to follow.”
Real-World Experience, Real Impact
At Medartis, RAMP students are immersed in meaningful work that mirrors real engineering and quality processes within the orthopedic manufacturing space. Under the mentorship of Quality Engineering Supervisor Blake Gross, Process Engineer Darin Cox, and Manufacturing Specialist Steve Morris, interns are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and apply their curiosity to solving real-world challenges.
“Working as a Quality Intern at Medartis has given me so much insight for my future college journey and engineering career,” said Carson Devanathan. “I really love how I can show my curious personality and how my questions are met with concepts that I can work to solve to better the world around me. Working at Medartis under Blake Gross is a learning experience that no classroom can recreate, and I am extremely grateful that I was presented with the opportunity.”
Manufacturing Intern, Ian Parrott stated, “Working hat Medartis has been the best and most useful experience I’ve ever had. With all my focus on hands-on lessons and in-depth fundamentals, I can now use many different machines in innovative ways to complete projects. This experience has made me more prepared and effective for my engineering experience in both college and later on in life. My mentors, Darin (Cox) and Steve (Morris), really care about me as a person and a trainee, and their constant help and encouragement is one of the greatest reasons why I have accomplished so much from this program.”
Former Quality Intern, Allison Slone added, “After my time at Medartis, I moved on to study engineering at Purdue University. I have found certain classes significantly easier because of the knowledge I gained during my internship, and there is something truly special about walking into a class already feeling accomplished because you have real experience to draw from. It also has made me a stronger asset on team projects in the classroom and in clubs, because I know what it means to work alongside a team in a professional environment.”
Mentorship That Goes Beyond Expectations
Blake Gross’s impact as a work-based learning supervisor has not gone unnoticed. Nominated for Supervisor of the Year by Warsaw Community Schools, Gross was recognized for his dedication and passion for mentoring students.
“Blake Gross, Quality Engineering Supervisor at Medartis Inc., has served as a dedicated Work-Based Learning supervisor for five years,” said Angie Heinsman of Warsaw Schools. “He is passionate about fostering his interns’ learning and takes great pride in supporting and championing their experiences.”
Heinsman noted that Gross goes far beyond standard supervisory expectations. “Blake selects interns for their inquisitive nature and genuine curiosity. He encourages deep engagement in the learning process, helping students not only build technical skills but also develop the right mindset for growth. His interns consistently learn at a high level, and under his guidance, they are inspired to push their limits.”
A Bigger Vision for the Community
Medartis leaders, including Ian, Darin, and Blake, will also share perspectives on how RAMP connects to the company’s broader vision in partnership with The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) — a strategy focused on long-term workforce development and community investment.
The goal is clear: strengthen the orthopedic manufacturing ecosystem by investing early in local talent, ensuring students not only see opportunity in their hometown but have a direct pathway to achieve it.
By collaborating with Warsaw Community Schools, Orthoworx, and regional partners, Medartis is helping to shape the next generation of advanced manufacturing professionals — demonstrating that when industry, education, and community work together, the results extend far beyond the classroom.
“The experience we’ve gained through our one-year RAMP program has provided an essential foundation for developing a more comprehensive, three-year apprenticeship model inspired by the strong traditions of workforce training in Switzerland and Germany. Launching in January 2027, this program will welcome one apprentice per year, reaching a total of three apprentices once fully implemented. Our goal is to create sustainable pathways for developing skilled professionals in the manufacturing trades, ensuring that knowledge and craftsmanship are passed on to the next generation. We hope other industry partners will join us in this effort to strengthen local talent and shape an even more resilient manufacturing community,” concluded Director of Manufacturing, Laurent Ellenrieder.
What is RAMP?
RAMP is designed for students who have completed coursework in manufacturing and engineering pathways during their sophomore year. Beginning in their junior year, students engage directly with industry partners, gaining hands-on exposure to advanced manufacturing environments. In their senior year, students have the opportunity to be hired by one of these partners. Click here for more information about the RAMP program.