Oakland County Manufacturing Day successfully returns to an in-person event
Nearly 800 students participated in this year’s Oakland County Manufacturing Day, which returned to an in-person format for the first time in three years. Students and teachers from 18 school districts and the four Oakland County Schools technical campuses visited 31 advanced manufacturers on Friday, Oct. 7.
During their three-hour visit, participants received tours of design labs, testing centers and assembly operations, as well as participated in hands-on activities and engaged with employees to learn about career paths, skills and entry-level job opportunities.
The Oakland County Department of Economic Development, Oakland County Michigan Works!, Oakland Schools and Oakland Community College partnered to organize the event.
“Oakland County is the epicenter of advanced manufacturing and we’re excited to connect our employers and students for these tours,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter before the event. “Events like Manufacturing Day inspire students to begin their journeys toward successful careers and allow employers to meet with the workforce of the future.”
Financial supporters included sponsors Williams International, AAM, Fata Automation, Gonzalez Production Systems, Heller Machine Tools, Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering, Humanetics, Oakland Community College and Witzenmann USA.
“We recognize that by exposing young students to the world of manufacturing, we can play a role in closed the skilled trades gap experienced in the labor market,” said Colleen Schmerheim, senior vice president at Williams International.
Students and teachers expressed their appreciation for returning to an in-person event.
“Thank you so much for the fabulous experience you provided our students today for Manufacturing Day,” said Kathy Jones from Hazel Park Schools. “Our students were so attentive and interested in all of the information being presented by Mayville Engineering Company staff. They did a great job.”