The cardinal rule in career and technical education (CTE) is to train future workers so that they are career-ready when they jump into the working world. In theory, education is made for this; however, many a teacher has asked if they are helping students make the connection between what they are doing in the classroom and what is expected in a career. CTE is focused on best-practice education, and in addition, must also focus on showing how educating students for a career can be a real solution for the ever-increasing skills gap. Within the confines of the Eleva-Strum School District, big things are happening in the world of CTE and manufacturing. CTE teacher Craig Cegielski has motivated students, staff, and the local community to take a different approach to teaching CTE by creating a business and manufacturing model. Cardinal Manufacturing, a student-run business has created a more skilled worker as well as well-crafted products that fulfill local business needs. The idea behind developing a real and viable manufacturing company at the school has created a place where students can see how their decisions and mastery of skills play a vital part in helping or hurting the growth and success of the business. Students have worked with more than 15 different companies around the Eleva-Strum school district, and they have served more than 100 customers. Using this unique educational model, students not only gain valuable career experience, but they also have been well trained for jobs after high school or postsecondary school. Several students have even been able to graduate high school with a guaranteed job at a local company due to partnerships fostered and employability skills gained through Cardinal Manufacturing.