Amid ongoing labor shortages in the U.S. manufacturing industry, many companies and states are taking proactive steps to recruit and train future talent, often by engaging with high schools.
An excellent illustration of this approach is the Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Community College of Denver, which engages with students as early as the ninth grade. Through concurrent enrollment programs and facility tours, the center aims to raise awareness among high school students about manufacturing career opportunities. Chris Luchs, the dean of instruction for business, social, and behavioral science pathways, oversees initiatives like machining and welding courses. Through this initiative, students are provided with a range of training opportunities and workshops, including a 12-hour welding workshop. These activities enable students to delve into different areas of interest and gain hands-on experience before committing to enrollment in specific programs. By offering such opportunities, the center aims to spark students’ curiosity and passion for manufacturing while helping them make informed decisions about their educational and career paths.
Engagement extends beyond tours and workshops, with the center facilitating internships with local manufacturing companies and hosting manufacturing mixers to connect employers with students. Luchs reports an impressive 85% employment rate within three months of graduation for program completers, including both certificate and degree holders.
In the Midwest, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) launched the Michigan Talent Action Team last year. This coalition, comprising educational institutions and manufacturers, aims to bolster the talent pipeline for critical industries in the state. Through partnerships with local educators, the program offers training opportunities, job shadowing, and hands-on learning experiences for students from pre-K-12 to higher education.
MEDC recently announced grants totaling $4.6 million to support semiconductor education and training programs at eight higher education institutions. These initiatives include Delta College’s semiconductor curriculum for high school students, Michigan State University’s summer camp for middle and high school students, and training programs at other institutions.
Moreover, industry events play a vital role in bridging the gap between manufacturers, educators, and students. For instance, Informa Markets hosted an event at IME West, bringing together over 360 high school students from Southern California to explore career opportunities in manufacturing and engineering. Partnering with The Diversity Org, the event aimed to expose underrepresented students to manufacturing careers through panels, show floor tours, and networking opportunities.
Engaging students early is crucial, as it fosters interest and awareness in manufacturing and engineering careers. Adrienne Zepeda, event director at Informa Markets, emphasizes that early exposure can streamline the recruitment and onboarding process for manufacturers, as students gain knowledge about next-generation technologies and potential career paths.
