“Break the Stereotype and Follow Your Passion,” Says Autumn Robley

What moves a teenage girl to become interested in a CNC (computer numerically controlled) machining career? For Autumn Robley, a Valders resident and 2024 high school graduate, her participation as a sophomore on a high school robotics team is what sparked her initial interest.

Autumn was a homeschool student who joined the Droid Rage #3381 robotics team which met at Valders High School before transitioning to the Lakeshore Robotics Education Center (LREC).

A mentor took Autumn and another girl to the machine shop at the LREC. The mentor showed them how to write a short program and run the CNC equipment. "I was so fascinated by how it worked, I could imagine myself working in the field," says Autumn.

Convenience, Affordability, Comfort

Like many students, Autumn chose to learn at Lakeshore College because it was close to home and affordable. She also took into consideration that everyone was "super friendly" when she toured our campus.

"They took their time to explain what the program was about and answer questions. Plus, I got to take home a souvenir bat that was made on the lathe," Autumn says.

The lathe has become Autumn's favorite machine to work on. She is very proud of the miniature goblet she created using the lathe. It was the first project she created 100% from start to finish. Perhaps that's why it also resembles a trophy!

Autumn likes that her current program is delivered in the competency-based education (CBE) model. She says because she was homeschooled and used to working at her own pace, she knew she'd be comfortable with CBE. The majority of Lakeshore's manufacturing programs are delivered in the CBE model, which offers a great deal of scheduling flexibility, personalized coaching, and support.

Highlights of Learning at Lakeshore

Autumn has already completed her Introduction to Precision Machining certificate and Precision Machining technical diploma. She'll graduate in May 2026 with her CNC Automation Technician technical diploma. She's already very skilled and has even received job offers. Autumn is very excited about the recent offer she accepted, which will allow her to put her skills into action as a Machinist at LDI Industries in Manitowoc.

Autumn says one of the best experiences she's had learning at Lakeshore is due to her "amazing instructors" who encouraged her to compete in SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a national organization inspiring students pursuing careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations to grow through competitions and educational programs.

Having completed less than two full semesters at Lakeshore, Autumn entered the Precision Machining Technology category and earned first place at the state SkillsUSA competition in Madison. This earned her a trip to the national competition in Atlanta, where she says she had an amazing experience and learned a lot on her way to placing 14th. She's looking forward to competing again in 2026.

Machine Tool/CNC Instructor Mark Lorier encouraged Autumn to channel her passion for machining into SkillsUSA.

"Autumn is able to quickly catch on to new concepts and continues to seek further understanding of the material. She has been very consistent in her dedication to her classes. While balancing school, work, and volunteering much of her time with the robotics team, she has been able to maintain her aggressive class schedule," says Lorier.

Volunteering her time and talent to middle and high school robotics teams is important to Autumn. It's her opportunity to mentor young students as she was mentored, and inspire them to learn while having fun.

Autumn has greatly enjoyed opportunities to take tours of machine shops in several local manufacturing facilities and attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago—the largest trade show in the western hemisphere.

Autumn's engagement in college life also includes participating in the Makers Club, where she's having fun learning how to use high-tech equipment including 3D and laser printers. She says she enjoys meeting club members who are enrolled in a variety of different programs though share similar interests with her.

She's also succeeding academically with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Looking Ahead

In Wisconsin, females account for only 9% of CNC Tool Programmers, the primary role our graduates are qualified to fill. As one of only two females in the CNC Automation Technician program this fall, Autumn encourages females to consider a career as a CNC Technician: "Break the stereotype and follow your passion."

Many qualities often associated with females—such as attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills—are exactly what it takes to be good at this trade, which offers a high starting salary and opportunities for advancement.

Prior to starting her new job at LDI Industries, Autumn worked for two years at TJ Maxx in Manitowoc. So, don't be surprised if one day you hear she's voted "Best Dressed in CNC" as the fashionista in her shines through on the job!

After graduation, Autumn says she would love to stay in the area, close to her family, while working at LDI.

Could a CNC instructor position be in Autumn's future? While she giggles at the idea, Lorier says he can definitely envision her working alongside him someday.

With Autumn's growing expertise and enthusiasm for the trade, as well as her passion for helping others, she is already showing the qualities that would make her an excellent instructor for future Lakeshore College CNC students.

We'll need to keep an eye on this budding CNC expert, who we anticipate achieving great success in the future.