Antioch Made
Local + Built = Antioch Made
Antioch Made is a pilot initiative where three local businesses partnered to build a makerspace program from scratch. The focus is 3D printing as an entry point into manufacturing where people learn to prototype, build with their hands, and develop skills that lead to real jobs in a growing local industry.
The Initiative
Three businesses, one initiative
Maker Pub is the makerspace brand behind the training and equipment. We partnered with Steward Advertising, a local creative agency, and Pestec, a family-owned business rooted in Antioch for decades, to run this pilot together. Each partner brings something different (curriculum and instruction, community outreach, and facilities) but the goal is shared: give people a real path from curiosity to capability.
Participants don't just learn skills in a classroom. They work on real projects, building portfolios they can take to employers or use to launch their own products.
Starting with 3D printing, building toward more
The pilot focuses on 3D printing because it's the most accessible entry point into manufacturing. But the goal is bigger: expand the makerspace to accommodate more trade and production skills in a community space where people of all ages and backgrounds can collaborate and learn together.
Future areas include CNC machines, laser cutting and engraving, torch work, woodshop, and other production skills like textiles, art, engineering, and computer programming. People who invest in building these skills unlock future opportunities right here in Antioch – some may start a business, others may join the workforce with hands-on experience employers are looking for.
The City of Antioch awarded a grant through the Work Together Fund to support this effort of helping people start the journey of learning to prototype, build things with their hands, and develop real skills that lead to real work.
The Partners
A makerspace, a local advertising agency, and a family-owned business – each bringing something different to the table. Maker Pub provides curriculum and instruction, Steward Advertising handles outreach and brand, and Pestec anchors the initiative with facilities and funding.
Pestec
Luis Agurto Jr. · Project Lead
Pestec provides facilities and anchors the initiative. Luis leads the program and coordinates across all partners.
Pestec is a local leader in Bay Area pest management and research, rooted in the Antioch community for decades.
Steward Advertising
Joshua Mendez Valdez · Outreach & Brand
Steward Advertising handles community outreach, recruitment, and brand identity for the initiative – connecting the program to local creatives and businesses.
Steward Advertising runs popular local brands like Antioch.town to promote community engagement in the area and help small businesses thrive.
Maker Pub
Myk Klemme · Curriculum & Instruction
Maker Pub develops training curriculum, provides equipment access, and delivers hands-on instruction in 3D printing, design, and fabrication.
Myk is an award-winning artist with a background in stained glass, digital art, and print design. He worked as a software engineer at companies like DocSend (acquired by Dropbox) and The Information before founding Maker Pub to give people a place to learn hands-on skills. He designs the training programs, builds the tools, and teaches the classes. He's also involved in the Celtic language revival through his work with Love.irish, helping promote awareness and create resources to make learning Irish more engaging and accessible.
What You'll Learn
3D Printing & Fabrication
Go from zero to operating FDM printers, preparing models, troubleshooting prints, and producing finished products.
Digital Design
Learn CAD tools and design workflows. Create models from scratch and modify existing designs for custom projects.
Selling What You Make
Learn how to price, market, and sell locally produced goods – whether at pop-ups, online, or through local retail.
Building a Portfolio
Every project you complete becomes part of your portfolio – proof of skills you can show to employers or customers.
Program Timeline
Pre-Launch
Jan – Feb 2026
Set up operations, finalize curriculum, and spread the word across the Antioch community. Outreach through local schools, community organizations, and social media.
Launch
Mar – Apr 2026
Public events, classes, and workshops begin. Participants learn 3D printing, digital design, and fabrication through hands-on projects – building skills and a portfolio along the way.
Showcase & Reporting
May 2026
Participants present what they've learned at a public showcase event. From here, some launch their own products, others pursue careers in manufacturing and design. Final report submitted to the City of Antioch.
Get Involved
Join the Program
Beginners, career changers, and creatives in the Antioch area – learn 3D printing and design from scratch.
Partner with Us
Local businesses and organizations – commission projects from our participants or sponsor the next cohort.
Follow Along
Sign up for updates to see what our makers are building and when the next showcase event is happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Antioch Made?
- Antioch Made is a pilot makerspace initiative where three local businesses – Maker Pub, Steward Advertising, and Pestec – partnered to teach hands-on manufacturing skills starting with 3D printing. The City of Antioch awarded a grant through the Work Together Fund to help get people started on the path from learning to prototype to joining the local workforce.
- Who is the program for?
- Anyone in the Antioch area who wants to learn hands-on skills – young adults, career changers, creatives, and curious beginners. No prior experience with 3D printing or design is required.
- Do I need any experience?
- None at all. The program is designed for complete beginners. We start from zero and build your skills step by step through hands-on projects.
- How long is the program?
- The pilot runs from January through May 2026. Public classes and workshops launch in March, with a final showcase in May.
- What skills will I learn?
- You'll learn 3D printing, digital design, and prototyping which is a accessible entry point into local manufacturing. These are the same fundamentals used in CNC, fabrication, and production work. You'll also build a portfolio of real projects you can show to employers or use to start selling your own products.
- How is the program funded?
- The City of Antioch awarded a grant through the Work Together Fund to support the initiative, with additional funds from Pestec and in-kind contributions from Maker Pub. The grant was specifically awarded to help start people on the journey of learning prototyping and hands-on skills that lead to employment in local manufacturing.