Did you know: By 2030, it is estimated that 4 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed. (Source – Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute)
On October 1st and 8th, sophomores in Darke County got a taste of local manufacturing opportunities during the 2021 National Manufacturing Day. “Taking into consideration the variety of new policies within our local schools and manufacturers, we worked to create an opportunity that matched the school and workplace requirements.” said Tamala Marley, Darke County Economic Development Workforce Specialist. Most of the students toured one of four local manufacturers, while others participated through a program at their school, either in person or by video. “Our host manufacturers were excited to share the career opportunities they have available and connect with members of the future workforce,” said Marley. This is the eighth year that local students have participated in Manufacturing Day in Darke County. The event, coordinated by Darke County Economic Development, is part of a comprehensive effort to encourage and grow a skilled workforce in order to help meet the current and future workforce demands of the region.
In addition to seeing modern manufacturing environments with state-of-the-art equipment and robotics, students also learned:
- About the wide range of careers available in manufacturing, including many different levels of technical and formal education.
- That many manufacturers in the area will pay for college or technical training for their workforce if it corresponds to a position within the company.
- That there are additional options after high school other than college or straight to work, and that opportunities exist to work and earn money while furthering their education, helping to avoid the debt often associated with college education.
Darke County Economic Development would like to thank our host manufacturers – Greenville Technology Inc, Midmark Corporation, Whirlpool Corporation, ARCH Cutting Tools, and J&M Manufacturing. A big thank you also goes out to all of our Darke County High Schools for their support of and participation in this event.
