For the third year, Lenawee County will be participating in Manufacturing Day, a nationally observed effort to introduce students to career opportunities in the field. This year, the number of students participating is approximately 400. Over 20 area companies will be participating by way of tours and online engagement through MI Bright Future.
Each student participating in Manufacturing Day will tour and talk with two different local companies before enjoying a lunch with peers and industry representatives. The activity will be supported by follow-up discussions in the class room as well as researching and using message boards to communicate with companies through MI Bright Future.
Participating companies include: IDIDIT, Rare Tool, Axis Engineering, Glycon, Kirchhoff, Ross Design, Watts Water, Rima, Hi-lex, Kamco, General Broach, L&W, Uckele, Hardwoods of Michigan, Heinen Avionics, Anderson Development, Inteva, Aget, Wacker Chemical, Adrian Precision, Adrian Steel, and Martinrea.
Engagement in activities such as Manufacturing Day is an important part of local workforce development. It not only shows how high-tech and exciting manufacturing can be but also the variety of careers available within Lenawee County. With local manufacturing booming, and many employees nearing retirement, local manufacturers are in need of reaching the high school audience.
According to MfgDay.com, the website for the national initiative, the impact of Manufacturing Day on young people is substantial. After participation in 2016 activities, students reported:
- 88% of tours and activities were interesting and engaging
- 89% became aware more aware of manufacturing jobs in their community
- 84% were more convinced manufacturing provides careers that are interesting and rewarding
- 64% became more motivated to pursue a career in manufacturing
The events planned for Lenawee County were planned by the LISD TECH Center, Southern Michigan Center for Science and Industry, Lenawee Now, MI Bright Future, and Michigan Works! Southeast.
The LISD TECH Center is a county-wide, collaborative initiative providing all Lenawee County students with opportunities to explore college and careers through 26 state-approved Career Technical Education programs.
This event is sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Ann Arbor Region.