Grand Island Manufacturing Day showcases local career opportunities for students
One day made the world of difference for area high school students looking to pursue future careers in manufacturing.
In celebration of October being National Manufacturing Month, about 140 Hall County area high schoolers toured local manufacturers and learned about educational opportunities after high school. The event was organized in partnership with the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC). Students toured Case New Holland, Chief Fabrication and Hornady Manufacturing.
About 40 Islanders participated in the first-ever Grand Island Manufacturing Day, including John Adams and Ramiro Lucas, who are both juniors in Grand Island Senior High's manufacturing pathway in the Academy of Technical Sciences.
"This made me more confident," Ramiro said about the day's impact on him.
"At every stop they let us know as much as they could, that they hired people right out of CCC [Central Community College]," Ramiro said. "That kind of built up a confidence that, 'OK, there are going to be job openings for me right out of college', and I am not having to worry about that."
Manufacturing is prevalent in the community and it's crucial that we expose area high school students to these valuable career opportunities, said Mary Berlie, President of GIAEDC.
"It not only opens doors to well-paying, in-demand jobs but also bridges the skills gap, fosters innovation and helps students realize the critical role manufacturing plays in shaping the economy and driving technology," Berlie added about student exposure to manufacturing careers.
For one of the hosting sites, showcasing the career side to students in CTE programs is key to what they do.
"Chief is incredibly grateful to be part of Manufacturing Day and to have had the opportunity to connect with students about the rewarding careers in manufacturing," said Beth Frerichs, Director of Marketing & Communications at Chief Industries. "Giving students a tour of our Chief Fabrication facility allowed us to showcase the innovation and diverse career paths within manufacturing. It's inspiring to see the next generation explore these possibilities, and we're proud to support their journey."
In addition to the tours, students were able to hear about the various manufacturing-related programs at Central Community College.
"The high school students that visited CCC were engaged in various interactive activities to learn more about each program and career opportunities," said CCC-Grand Island President Dr. Marcie Kemnitz. "We value our partnership with all the area high schools and are excited to share the opportunities we offer to support students and the Grand Island community."
Ramiro is on track to start a manufacturing apprenticeship in January 2025, and wants to build a career in the field. Thanks to his academy & pathway at GISH's Career Pathways Institute, he has a head start.
"CPI, in general, is getting us ready for jobs or opportunities right out of high school, putting us in a very good position as a class," Ramiro shared. "I think being more hands-on with tours like these can show the usefulness in it."
John added that he learned a lot of new things on the Manufacturing Day tours, including the scope of manufacturing parts to maintain the machines.
"It helped me understand what kind of pathway I'm getting into with manufacturing," John said. "I love it – it's very hands-on, and I get to create very precise pieces."
Overall, the day was very positive for both students and businesses. After the day, students like John and Ramiro continue to envision their future.
"Seeing how this path could take you to places like Chief Fabrication or Hornaday or Case New Holland," Ramiro said, "it's a pretty neat experience to see what I could be doing in the next two years."
