Preparing to celebrate Manufacturing Day 2015: Part 1

On October 2, 2015, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties and school districts will celebrate National Manufacturing Day. This builds on Macomb County’s previous efforts to highlight the enormous importance of the manufacturing industry to Southeast Michigan’s economy.

Manufacturing Day 2014 at Kuka Systems North America in Sterling Heights

This year, a regional collaborative of education institutions and economic and workforce development has been working with manufacturing businesses throughout the area to help raise student awareness of career opportunities including skilled trades and engineering, and education and training pathways to manufacturing industry careers.

These efforts complement the SEMCOG/MAC STEM careers and Skilled Trades initiative which identify different routes to career success and the importance of post-secondary education. The manufacturing industry is experiencing a huge labor shortage which will continue into the future unless they can inspire the next generation of students to see potential career opportunities in manufacturing.

More than 80 businesses ranging from the Big Three auto manufacturers and suppliers, defense contractors, engineering, robotics, and aerospace companies will host thousands of students from across the region. They will provide hands-on activities, one-on-one time with students, overviews of the company, and tours.

By the numbers:

• In Macomb County, 1,700 students will tour 42 different businesses, making it one of the largest efforts in the country.
• In Oakland County, 400 students from 28 school districts, as well as 100 teachers, counselors, and parents (the main influencers of student career decisions) will tour 28 local companies.
• In Wayne County, about 700 students representing 14 school districts will tour manufacturing facilities in the morning and participate in career-themed activities in the afternoon.

The ISDs and local districts have selected students based on their interests in engineering and emerging technologies, and their participation in career technical education programs. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has provided a grant to help with transportation and organization costs.

Manufacturing Day is one important step toward building relationships between education and business, and there are several ongoing efforts to promote manufacturing careers in the region. To name a few:

• Macomb Community College will be hosting its annual Robotics, Engineering, and Technology Days on December 3.
• Oakland Schools continue to work with manufacturers to help grow the technical pipeline.
• Wayne RESA is working with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and other partners to expand career awareness for all students.

Look for more information on Manufacturing Day events and local efforts to build a stronger future workforce in the next few weeks.