TMA partners with Golden Corridor on successful career fair
(Schaumburg, IL)-"This was an amazing step in my life." So said an area high school student regarding his experience at last week's manufacturing career fair. On April 13th Amada America in Schaumburg hosted 27 companies and 100 juniors and seniors from area high schools including Palatine, Conant, Schaumburg, West Leyden, Glenbrook North. Companies were looking to hire students mainly for summer jobs but some full-time employment opportunities were offered.
Finding skilled workers in manufacturing has been a constant problem even before the 2008 economic downtown. "The so-called "skills gap" is a major challenge for our members and continues to be a drag on the economy," stated Technology & Manufacturing Association President Steve Rauschenberger. As part of the solution, TMA joined forces with the Golden Corridor Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP) to create the Manufacturing Career Fair as a way to connect students interested in a manufacturing career pathway with area companies seeking to 'grow their own workforce'.
During the fair, interviews took place with the goal of local companies and students forming a working relationship and staying connected in the ensuing years to explore manufacturing and education career tracks. Possible tracks include students alternating work and training at a community college (including a possible apprenticeship) or students coming back in summers during the pursuit of an engineering degree. "Student and employer evaluations conducted during and after the fair were very positive," stated GCAMP President Gary Skoog. "Hopefully enough seeds were planted for an annual repeat of the fair."
About TMA: 8 small manufacturing companies who thought they could better themselves by associating with one another founded TMA in 1925. Through the years, members established programs and services to help their businesses grow and prosper, train their employees, and provide medical and retirement benefits. TMA has grown into an almost 1,000 member not-for-profit organization representing more than 30,000 employees of precision manufacturing and supplier companies throughout Illinois.
About GCAMP: GCAMP is a group of manufactures and toolmakers trying to change the perception of manufacturing and promoting manufacturing careers. The GOLDEN CORRIDOR runs along I-90 from O'Hare to Huntley and various municipalities to the north and south.