Manufacturing Day is a community supported, career exploration day created for high school students to explore the field of manufacturing. MFG Day, an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, is officially observed on the first Friday of October and in Illinois the state’s Manufacturers’ Association observes Manufacturing Month.
In observance of MFG Day, the Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association [TRMA] in collaboration with Joliet Junior College hosted the 8th Annual MFG Day at its events center on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Taking part in the activities of the day were 27 career and technical education students from Coal City High School.
Throughout the day, students met and spoke with industry professionals about diverse and rewarding careers in manufacturing and related industries. Over 50 companies and trade organizations took part in the event. Additionally, students had an opportunity to speak with education professionals about the steps they need to take to enter into a STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] related career with options for a certificate, or enroll in an associates and/or bachelor degree program.
“Our goal is to provide the students with the resources to end up in a place that matters which could include a rewarding career in manufacturing,” stated TRMA.
Participating students were provided hands-on opportunities for skilled tasks such as welding with a simulator, driving a big machine using a joystick and performing a rigging lift. The day also included a winning round of Jeopardy for the Coal City students who returned back to school with prizes.