Intimate experiences like this one from 2019 are not possible this year, which is why organizers have pivoted to provide virtual experiences.
This year, Manufacturing Day, the annual celebration that exposes students to careers in modern manufacturing, is going virtual! Exposure to manufacturing careers is so essential to our economic future that Governor Whitmer has also proclaimed this to be Manufacturing Week in Michigan.
Manufacturing Day is recognized across the country on the first Friday in October (October 2 in 2020). It provides “hands-on” experiences through tours of manufacturing facilities for middle and high school students. While it may sound strange to attempt “hands-on” training during the pandemic, a lot of creativity and hard work went into keeping this important event going in a safe and healthy way. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to highlight how technology is shaping an industry that still suffers from negative misconceptions.
Last year, more than 6,000 students in Southeast Michigan toured 150 manufacturing facilities across the region. These energetic celebrations are generally kicked off by business leaders; state, county, and local leaders; prominent educators; and congressional representatives. This event is critical to Southeast Michigan because manufacturing remains the backbone of our economy as it continues its rapid evolution to Industry 4.0 – the fourth industrial revolution that is transforming manufacturing to technology and mobility. It provides more than 250,000 high-paying jobs and opportunities for career advancement to our residents.
While this year will be different, students will still have the opportunity to learn about careers in manufacturing through celebrations across Southeast Michigan. In Macomb County – a pioneer in promoting and celebrating Manufacturing Day – this year’s week-long event is being led by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, in partnership with Macomb Intermediate School District, Macomb Community College, Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works!, local districts, and businesses. Six manufacturers will provide 3D virtual tours of their facilities through secure Zoom meetings, an overview of career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, and presentations by workers about their jobs, educational pathways, and benefits. The videos will be available online for the next year – expanding exposure for students and their families who may not be able to participate during the week.
For more information on Manufacturing Day in Macomb County, visit macombmfgday.com.
Flyer of scheduled meetings that Macomb County students can participate in during Manufacturing Week.
Wayne County is celebrating Manufacturing Week from September 29-October 2. The events will be hosted on MiStreamnet/Eduvision – a video streaming service provided by REMC, a nonprofit media company serving K-12 schools in Michigan. About 700 students had signed up by last week, along with nine businesses. On Monday and Tuesday, videos for each employer, as well as education partners will be available for students to watch. On Wednesday, educators from Wayne County schools can sign up their classes for live Zoom sessions for 30-60 minutes with businesses and postsecondary institutions. These sessions are staggered so students can attend more than one meeting.
Wayne County’s unique Manufacturing Day model enables students to participate in manufacturing facility tours followed by tours of postsecondary institutions where they learn about education programs that lead to specific careers. Schools from different parts of the county can “visit” more businesses and schools because travel time, transportation costs, and geography are no longer barriers. In addition, more middle schools can be accommodated.
Jason Evers, Consultant for Career Technical and Adult Education, at Wayne RESA says that despite the challenges of the pandemic, planning partners and schools have been committed to expanding the event over a week to increase access and opportunities for students.
For more information about Wayne County MFG Day, contact Jason Evers, at [email protected], or 734.334.1503
In Oakland County, eight companies will “open their doors” to 1,600 high school students from 10 high – the most ever for the county. Schools register through Oakland Schools and are assigned one of two time slots with a manufacturer on October 2. Oakland County Michigan Works staff will facilitate an hour-long meeting for students with employers, which will include a video highlighting the work environment, followed by presentations from current employees, and the opportunity for students to ask questions about careers, training, internships, and education requirements needed for a career in manufacturing.
In addition to adding capacity for more participants, the virtual format works for young people who are used to connecting through technology and even allows students who may not be comfortable asking questions in a live environment to participate more actively. In addition, the videos will be posted on the Oakland County website so students who miss the events on October 2 can watch later.
Jennifer Llewellyn, Manager of Oakland County Workforce Development says, “The goal is to raise awareness and really inspire young people into considering careers in advanced manufacturing where they get to see new and exciting technology, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, research and development, and other technology that they may not associate with manufacturing.”
For more information on Oakland County’s Manufacturing Day efforts, visit https://www.oakgov.com/business/business-development/workforce-development/events
More efforts throughout the region will highlight manufacturing. Monroe County Intermediate School District is working with the Monroe County Business Development Corporation (BDC) and local districts to highlight Monroe County businesses at events later this fall.
Although Manfacturing Day/Week in Southeast Michigan will be different from previous years, many counties, businesses, business associations, educators, and workforce development agencies would not be deterred from showcasing opportunities in today’s manufacturing industry.
This industry provides thousands of in-demand, high-paying positions in skilled trades, engineering, HR, finance, IT, and many other fields that lead to career development and advancement opportunities. Manufacturing is for people who want to work in a fast-paced industry that is constantly evolving with new technology to meet customer needs.
This industry is so important for Southeast Michigan. It helps support economic growth, a high quality of life for residents, and careers of the future right here in our region.
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