In celebration of Manufacturing Day 2016, high school students throughout the Northwest Tennessee region will participate in tours and presentations with local manufacturing companies as part of an effort to change people’s perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide. Manufacturing Day, typically held on the first Friday in October, is an annual national event executed at the local level supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers, and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers. 

In Northwest TN, the American Job Centers/TN Career Centers will host Manufacturing Month events for schools in 11 counties throughout the month of October. Lana Wood, Director of Business Services, comments, “Each county celebrates Manufacturing Month in its own way. Some industries will provide tours, while others will visit middle schools and high schools to talk about the jobs available, career pathways, and the education needed to be successful in these jobs.” 

Margaret Prater, Vice President for Workforce Development for the NWTN Workforce Board adds, “The benefits of Manufacturing Month are wide-reaching. The partnerships developed between the employers, schools, the Workforce Board and higher education have resulted in manufacturing-specific training programs being added to Career Technical Education programs throughout Northwest Tennessee. The skills students learn can be directly transferred to the workplace. As a result, several employers in the region are offering paid internships to students that are successful in earning a Production Technician Certification from the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council.”

Check out the schedule of this year’s events below and click the calendar for more details!