Macomb County, MI
10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 12:01
More than 2,000 high school students tour local industry as part of Macomb County’s Manufacturing Day/Week
Nearly 2,100 students from local high schools boarded buses this week to get a taste of modern manufacturing as part of Macomb County's 11th annual Manufacturing Day/Week, which ran from Sept. 30-Oct. 4.
The annual event, which is coordinated by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) and the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD), provides opportunities for students to tour area advanced manufacturing facilities and meet people who make things. And it gives students a chance to compare what they have learned in the classroom with the processes used in today's high-tech manufacturing plants.
"Macomb County is committed to helping build tomorrow's workforce today, and organizing Manufacturing Day/Week is just one example of this work in action," said Macomb County County Executive Mark Hackel. "Over the years we've helped thousands of students experience this industry, and we're proud to continue our efforts that connect young people with opportunity."
Hackel joined students from Warren Consolidated Schools Career Prep Center today at a tour of Sticker Blitz in Warren. Founded in 2020, Sticker Blitz is a digital printing company that manufactures and prints custom made stickers with next-day business shipment. The company has been named among the Top 50 companies to watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, and most recently, it was featured on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the fastest-growing private companies in America.
"We're thrilled to host Manufacturing Day and make an impact on these students, inspiring them to explore the exciting opportunities in manufacturing," said Matt Stephens, co-founder, Sticker Blitz.
All students participating in Manufacturing Day Week receive a 90-120 minute guided tour and some combination of the following:
The annual event, which is coordinated by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) and the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD), provides opportunities for students to tour area advanced manufacturing facilities and meet people who make things. And it gives students a chance to compare what they have learned in the classroom with the processes used in today's high-tech manufacturing plants.
"Macomb County is committed to helping build tomorrow's workforce today, and organizing Manufacturing Day/Week is just one example of this work in action," said Macomb County County Executive Mark Hackel. "Over the years we've helped thousands of students experience this industry, and we're proud to continue our efforts that connect young people with opportunity."
Hackel joined students from Warren Consolidated Schools Career Prep Center today at a tour of Sticker Blitz in Warren. Founded in 2020, Sticker Blitz is a digital printing company that manufactures and prints custom made stickers with next-day business shipment. The company has been named among the Top 50 companies to watch by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, and most recently, it was featured on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the fastest-growing private companies in America.
"We're thrilled to host Manufacturing Day and make an impact on these students, inspiring them to explore the exciting opportunities in manufacturing," said Matt Stephens, co-founder, Sticker Blitz.
All students participating in Manufacturing Day Week receive a 90-120 minute guided tour and some combination of the following:
- Briefing by a company leader who provides an overview of the company, the type of manufacturing they do and the customers they serve as well as info about employment opportunities.
- Smaller sub-tours that highlight different work areas and careers
- Opportunities for students to talk with employees and see the product life cycle in action
- Opportunities for students to see and touch the machinery, tools and products that are a part of the industrial workplace
These experiences help the students better understand what a career in advanced manufacturing might look like. The tours also provide benefits for the host sites in that they get the chance to promote their companies and interact with the next generation of talent. Several participating companies have even hired previous Manufacturing Day attendees that were interested in the field.
"Working in manufacturing can be an exciting and dynamic career pathway for many individuals, and this is why Macomb County hosts one of the country's largest celebrations of Manufacturing Day," said Vicky Rowinski, director, MCPED. "We need young people to come into local facilities and see operations first hand. We need to inspire them and get them thinking about the different types of jobs available in this industry. Over the years, we have seen the success of students going on tours and then joining the workforce at their host site. Through the creative and collaborative efforts of our manufacturers and school districts, we anticipate this number will continue to increase."
Since 2014, about 22,000 students have participated in Macomb County's Manufacturing Day through the support of an active planning committee and the generosity of host sites and sponsors. Find a list of 2024 supporters and additional information at macombgov.org/macomb-business/workforce-and-talent/fueling-talent-pipeline/manufacturing-day.
Since 2014, about 22,000 students have participated in Macomb County's Manufacturing Day through the support of an active planning committee and the generosity of host sites and sponsors. Find a list of 2024 supporters and additional information at macombgov.org/macomb-business/workforce-and-talent/fueling-talent-pipeline/manufacturing-day.
Vicky Rowinski
[email protected]
586-469-5065
Department:Planning and Economic Development
Type:
Press Release