Whitley County Consolidated Schools sixth-grade students from Indian Springs Middle School toured local manufacturing facilities for career exploration during October’s Manufacturing Month.
The sixth-grade class was split into groups and toured 80/20, Chromasource, American Landmaster, Micropulse, and Restoration Medical Polymers (RMP).
“I learned how the machines worked and what a majority of the people had to do to get the parts produced for health care,” said Elise Martin, Indian Springs sixth grade student.
Whitley County is home to many manufacturing companies leading the way, and serving a variety of industries from automotive, agriculture, aerospace, defense, medical device, food processing and more.
“Students in middle school are beginning to think about their futures. Manufacturing is a large part of our Whitley County economy, yet most students do not have a clear understanding of what manufacturing includes,” said Lori Heuer, Whitley County Consolidated Schools talent development director. “Through these tours, we were able to expose students to area manufacturing businesses and the many career opportunities throughout, including production, human resource, finance, engineering, marketing, office management, etc. Now when students hear the term manufacturing, they will be able to link the information to an experience.”
For several years, Whitley County Consolidated Schools and the Career and Technical Education team have hosted Manufacturing Day for students to tour local businesses. Micropulse is just one company who consistently allows WCCS to come back.
“Micropulse gets so excited to welcome students into our building because it’s nice to share the manufacturing environment, get them excited about manufacturing, and make sure they understand all the career opportunities. Sixth graders especially are genuinely curious and they like to ask questions,” said Baily Beiswanger, Human Resources Manager at Micropulse Inc.
Each year, WCCS has essential experiences for each grade level to introduce students to various careers and deepen their understanding and exposure to the world beyond the classroom. These experiences help connect the classroom learning with tangible experiences they can use to help guide their path after graduation.
“The trip was valuable because it taught them that there is a huge impact in the community where they live and they can work and make differences in the whole world,” said Chelsea Richmond, WCCS parent.
Celebrated nationally, Manufacturing Month celebrates modern manufacturing and inspires the next generation of manufacturers. It’s an annual celebration that brings together manufacturers, students, educators, businesspeople, community leaders and elected officials in a collective effort to promote manufacturing, improve public perceptions and educate the community on the opportunities available in manufacturing.
Thank you, Don Wood Foundation who donated t-shirts to the sixth grade students, teachers, staff, and chaperoning parents for the event.
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Media Contact: Dr. Laura McDermott, mcdermottla@wccsonline.com
Kennedy Saggars, WCCS Marketing Director, saggarskt@wccsonline.com
