Building Careers, Not Debt: How Exodus Global’s Scholarship Program Is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing
At Exodus Global, strengthening the future of manufacturing starts with investing in people. Through a fully funded scholarship program in partnership with Northwood Technical College, Exodus Global is removing financial barriers to education while creating clear, supported career pathways into the skilled trades.
This approach is already delivering real results, helping students graduate debt-free, gain hands-on experience, and transition directly into full-time roles within the company.
A Scholarship Designed for Real Impact
Finding skilled manufacturing talent remains a challenge across the industry, particularly in smaller regions like the Twin Ports. Rather than competing for the same limited pool of labor, Exodus chose a different approach: developing its own talent pipeline by supporting students early in their career journey.
“The Twin Ports is a small area, and we are all competing for the same manufacturing laborers,” said Tonya Land, Director of Corporate Communications at Exodus Global. “We wanted to tear down barriers and create opportunities for students who are motivated and ready to build a career in the trades.”
To do that, Exodus established a fully funded scholarship program with Northwood Technical College. The scholarship allows students to attend college tuition-free while gaining hands-on experience through an internship at Exodus Global. Upon graduation, students transition into full-time employment with the company.
As part of the scholarship program, students commit to working at Exodus Global for a period that reflects the length of their funded education, allowing them to gain real-world experience while building a long-term career in manufacturing.
The scholarship is currently open to students pursuing degrees in:
- Welding
- CNC Machining
- Draft Technician
Students may apply as incoming or currently enrolled Northwood Tech students. Applicants are interviewed by Exodus Global, with recipients selected based on interest, readiness, and fit.
From Scholarship to Full-Time Career Success
The success of the program is already clear. Two students have successfully completed the Exodus Global scholarship program and are now working full-time at Exodus, proving the strength of the model and its long-term value.
One of those students is Linden Johnson, a Superior High School graduate from the class of 2024 and the first recipient of the Exodus-funded scholarship.
After discovering a passion for manufacturing, Johnson applied through Northwood Technical College and was selected for the scholarship. He began classes in fall 2024, completed his coursework and internship, and graduated in spring 2025.
Today, Johnson works as a full-time welder at Exodus Global.
“There are so many opportunities in manufacturing,” Johnson said. “The job stability is great. I think people should consider more than just welding – there’s room to grow, and I could see myself moving up in the company someday.”
Land recalls Johnson’s enthusiasm from the start.
“I remember giving a facility tour and he raised his hand and said, ‘I would like to work at Exodus,’” she said. “We were able to make that happen without student debt, which is amazing. He comes in with a great attitude every day; it’s awesome to see.”
Expanding Opportunities for the Next Generation
With two successful graduates now on staff, Exodus Global is actively working with Northwood Technical College on the next round of scholarships, continuing to expand access to education and careers in manufacturing.
Community investment and workforce development are core priorities for the company, driven by a belief that long-term success comes from strong relationships and opportunity creation.
“Our owner, Murray Johnson, is originally from Superior, and giving back to the community has always been important,” said Land.
The scholarship program also aligns with Exodus Global’s focus on Recruitment, Retention, and Community—ensuring students are supported not just through school, but as they begin long-term careers.
A Future Worth Building
Interest in manufacturing careers continues to grow as students gain more exposure to modern facilities, advanced technology, and rewarding career paths. Exodus has seen increasing curiosity during facility tours, job shadowing experiences, and conversations with students exploring their future options.
“As a woman in this field, it’s especially exciting to see more young women interested in manufacturing,” said Land. “There’s strong job stability, real growth potential, and meaningful work. When students see what’s possible, it really opens their eyes.”
For Johnson, the recommendation is simple.
“I think any student interested in this field should apply for the scholarship,” he said. “The process was easy, no college debt and a career waiting for you after school. There’s such a need for the trades.”
With proven success, ongoing collaboration with Northwood Technical College, and the next round of scholarships underway, Exodus Global is continuing to invest where it matters most – building skilled careers, strengthening the workforce, and supporting the future of manufacturing.
About Exodus Global
Exodus Global is an American-owned, family company that manufactures and distributes attachments for the scrap recycling, construction, and demolition industries. Our distinguished brands include BladeCore, Connect Work Tools, OilQuick Americas, RockZone Americas, and ShearCore. We understand and embrace the most severe applications, backed by world-class support.
