Entrepreneurship and Creativity are Nourished at Lacey MakerSpace
The Lacey MakerSpace is a community workshop space that provides tools and equipment for learning job skills, prototyping, and expressing creativity. It is a partnership with the Thurston County Economic Development Council, the City of Lacey, and Saint Martin’s University. The MakerSpace is open to the public. Recently, the space expanded to 8,000 square feet, nearly tripling its size.
Director Michelle Pope is enthusiastic with the progress in fulfilling Lacey MakerSpace’s mission, which is to empower makers to bring ideas to life and cultivate an innovative economy through training on high-tech equipment in a regional workspace for learning new skills. Its three main principles rely on education, inspiration, and community.
The environment also creates pathways for students to become entrepreneurs. There are classes for skills in wood and metal working, 3D printing, and CNC (computer numerical control), which is the automated control of tools through a computer to operate drills, lathes, mills, routers, and 3D printers. People can learn to code their own video game or fashion a stained glass window panel. There are welding instructions and a class to learn to turn a pen.
This summer, Lacey MakerSpace is collaborating with AJAC, a statewide Washington instructional workforce of industry professionals. There will be a series of pre-apprentice, advanced manufacturing courses geared to both youth and displaced adults. Students will train and learn on high-powered equipment to gain skills necessary for jobs in aerospace and other advanced manufacturing careers.
“Anyone 12 years and older can take a class and become a member,” says Pope. There are many levels including proficiency in multiple areas. The bigger vision is that people take their skills and join the local workforce and/or start their own businesses.
There are membership discounts for military and both high school and college students. If you have a Timberland Regional Library card, you can enjoy a month of free membership to check things out.
“Come visit the MakerSpace,” encourages Pope. There’s an open house every Saturday morning. There are opportunities for volunteering as well. Share your expertise, be a mentor, and meet others in our amazing community.
Lacey MakerSpace is open Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am to 6pm. You can request more info at info@laceymakerspace.org or at 360.339.4205.
St. Martin’s University
Zaverl Hall – Building 5
Baran Drive SE, Lacey
Mary Ellen Psaltis