2 events aim to attract students to manufacturing careers
Two upcoming events aim to encourage suburban students to consider careers and interview for jobs in manufacturing.
Both events will provide information about preparing for various jobs, allow students to meet company officials and interview for positions, and offer insight into the industry, technology and other aspects of manufacturing.
It is critical for this area to have a sustainable manufacturing workforce, said Gary Skoog, president of the Golden Corridor Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, or GCAMP, which is a group of employers, education institutions, training providers, local government and others along I-90 from O'Hare International Airport to Huntley.
"Without highly skilled workers we will lose present companies who are unable to compete and not recruit new ones due to lack of qualified workers in advanced manufacturing," Skoog said. "A career fair for local students allows them to get work-based learning in local shops and possibly form a long-term relationship with a company in the form of employment or an apprenticeship."
The first event is the Manufacturing Summer Internship and Career Fair on Wednesday, April 13, at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Amada, 180 Amada Court, Schaumburg. Besides Amada, other hosts include GCAMP, the Technology & Manufacturing Association and the TMA Education Foundation.
The career fair is open to area juniors and seniors from School District 211, including Hoffman, Schaumburg, Palatine, Conant and Fremd high schools, as well as Streamwood, South Elgin, Leyden, Lake Park, Glenbrook North and Maine high schools.
Many students are from schools that offer manufacturing courses. Several students have or soon will receive National Institute for Metalworking Skills certifications. Students who attend are often looking for summer jobs or full-time permanent employment, Skoog said.
The other event is The Golden Corridor Advanced Manufacturing Partnership's Open House on Wednesday, April 27, at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Big Kaiser, 2600 Huntington Blvd., Hoffman Estates. To register, email daniela.pison-sumner@us.bigkaiser.com.
This open house shows how manufacturing offers various careers that use problems solving skills, creativity and critical thinking.
The event will include presentations about the industry, technology demonstrations and the chance to talk with professionals in manufacturing. A featured speaker is Greg Jones, vice president of Smartforce Development with the Association of Manufacturing Technology.