What does a career in manufacturing really look like? This October, approximately 1,000 students and educators will have the opportunity to find out for themselves as MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, and its affiliate, Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB), bring students inside manufacturing facilities across Central New York and the Mohawk Valley.
As part of New York State’s official celebration of Manufacturing Month, 25 local manufacturers are opening their doors for 33 tours throughout October, welcoming students from across five counties. Students will see modern manufacturing firsthand, meet the people behind the products and processes, and explore the wide range of careers available in an industry. For many students, these tours will be their first opportunity to step inside a manufacturing facility and see what happens beyond the classroom.
“Manufacturing Month gives students the chance to experience something they can’t get from a textbook or a career brochure. They can walk through a facility, see the technology in action, talk with people doing the work, and begin to picture themselves in that environment,” said Taylor Hodge, Director of PEB. “These experiences help students make connections between what they are learning today and the possibilities available to them in the future.”
The tours are designed to showcase the many facets of modern manufacturing and help students understand that today’s manufacturing careers extend far beyond the traditional factory floor. Throughout the tours, students and educators will see advanced equipment and manufacturing processes in action, learn how products are designed and produced, meet manufacturing professionals, explore career opportunities, and make connections between classroom learning and real-world applications.
“New York’s manufacturing sector produces the goods we rely on, advances the technologies we use, and builds the infrastructure our communities need. Manufacturing Month gives students a chance to see this work firsthand and meet the people whose skill, creativity, and problem-solving make it possible. Those experiences can help young people recognize manufacturing as a place to build a rewarding career, keep learning, and contribute to the strength of their communities. MACNY and its members are committed to opening those doors and helping develop the next generation of manufacturing talent,” said Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY.
The companies participating in MACNY’s Manufacturing Month programming are Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Belden, BioSpherix, Bluefors Cryocooler Technologies, Inc., Byrne, Constellation, FX Matt Brewing Co., Haun Welding Supply & Specialty Gases, ICM Controls, Indium Corporation, INFICON, JMA Wireless, JPW Structural Contracting, Inc., Knowles Corporation, Mack Studios, Mohawk Valley Community College – Advanced Institute for Manufacturing (AIM), Morse Manufacturing, N.E.T. & Die, New York Power Authority to New York Power Authority – Energy Zone, Novelis, OCWA – Central New York’s Water Authority, Stickley Furniture, SUNY Polytechnic – Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, TTM Technologies, and Xylem.
Manufacturing Month will also feature additional programming designed to spark curiosity and introduce students to STEM and career possibilities. United Way’s Full STEAM Ahead program will host an event promoting childhood literacy and science education through third grade, while TTM Technologies will lead this month’s Future Women in STEM program with a hands-on “Glow Getter: Engineering Your Own Light-Up Badge” activity for girls in grades 6–8.
MACNY’s Manufacturing Month programming is presented by BuildSubmarines.com, whose support helps connect students and community members with greater visibility into manufacturing careers, including training and career opportunities in submarine manufacturing and maintenance.
By opening their doors, sharing their expertise, and connecting directly with students, local manufacturers are giving the next generation an opportunity to see what is possible and understand how their interests and skills can translate into rewarding careers close to home.
To learn more about Manufacturing Month and MACNY’s programming, visit www.macny.org/manufacturing-month.