Over the next decade, the nation’s manufacturing companies will seek to fill four million high-skill, high-tech, high-paying jobs, according to the Manufacturing Institute.

Each year, manufacturers are encouraged to open their doors to students, parents, educators and community leaders to build excitement around the diversity of careers in this industry.

Recently, nearly 800 private and public high school students from across Northern Kentucky had the opportunity to tour more than a dozen local manufacturing companies and learn more about the pathways that lead to these careers.

NaviGo College and Career Prep Services as well as Gateway Community and Technical College have both been instrumental in connecting students with local manufacturers.

NaviGo/Learning Grove NKY College & Career Connector Lorraine O’Moore led 25 tours for 605 students to 12 manufacturers, including companies such as ZEISS, a German optical systems and optoelectronics manufacturer with U.S. headquarters in Hebron , and Steinhauser, a women-owned company. , custom label printing company in Newport. Other tours will continue during the month of November and even until 2025.

O’Moore said manufacturing is an in-demand sector and jobs in this field lead to sustainable jobs.

“We all have a role to play in all of this,” O’Moore said. “If you are facing an employee shortage or can’t find employees willing to work, I encourage you to be part of the solution, which leads to great partnerships. »

Primary and secondary schools also want to get involved in Making Month, she said. Connecting these young students to businesses is therefore one of its objectives for next year. Schools and makers interested in hosting or participating in tours can contact O’Moore at [email protected].

“Early awareness is very important to start the labor pipeline,” O’Moore said. “If we don’t expose young children to today’s modern, highly technical manufacturing environment, they won’t choose this path and companies could lose future employees. »

Gateway hosted 112 high school students for Manufacturing Day at its Boone campus in Florence.

Employers at the event included Mubea, Nucor, Safran Landing Systems Kentucky, Blue Grass Metals, Holcim Building Envelope, Bosch and KraussMaffei, and students came from several area high schools including Gallatin County, Larry A. Ryle, Simon Kenton, Scott, RISE Academy and Newport Central Catholic.

In partnership with KraussMaffei, Gateway also presented and toured the company’s facilities to 50 students from Beechwood High School.

Representatives from Gateway also visited several high schools to introduce students to NKY FAME and the Apprenticeship Academy, a work and learning opportunity for students interested in exploring a registered apprenticeship program in a technical field.

NKY FAME is an advanced manufacturing technician program run by Gateway where students attend Gateway for their education, but also spend time working for a manufacturing company and receive paid work experience.

Kim Spreder, BE NKY workforce development manager, attended a tour of the Holcim building envelope with eighth grade students from St. Paul Catholic School in Florence. In his role, Spreder works to identify and help resolve workforce needs and gaps.

It is important for the future prosperity of our region to train and develop our existing workforce, as well as familiarizing young children with all the career opportunities available to them, including the trades.

“Many young people who participate in Manufacturing Month do so at the high school level. So it was great to be at Holcim Building Envelope to see middle school students experience a manufacturing facility and learn about the science behind the products made at the company. » said Spreder. “We strive to provide students of all ages, from K-12, with opportunities for exposure, exploration and engagement in this industry.”

Employers can contact Spreder at [email protected] for help connecting to workforce and educational resources.

BE NKY Growth Partnership