Blackhawk Technical College, Rock County 5.0 and the School District of Janesville: To host Manufacturing Day event

Gary Kohn — (608) 757-7769 or cell (608) 436-9578gkohn@blackhawk.edu

                    Patrick Gasper — (608) 743-5091 or cell (608) 931-4925pgasper@janesville.k12.us

 

JANESVILLE, WI – In celebration of Manufacturing Day, on Friday, October 6, Blackhawk Technical College (BTC), Rock County 5.0, the School District of Janesville and 26 different employers will host more than 600 area high school students as part of an effort to change perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide.

 

Starting at 8 a.m., high school students from 12 different schools and seven different school districts will be transported from their campuses to visit Blackhawk Technical College’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center where they will get an overview of BTC’s manufacturing programs while touring the high tech facility.  Students will also visit two different businesses in the region to see demonstrations, presentations and learn more about job opportunities in a variety of manufacturing professions.

 

“Manufacturing Day is going to provide an opportunity for the next generation of our workforce to see the industry in action and learn about the many well-paying careers it offers,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, Blackhawk Technical College President.  “Through partnerships with local manufacturing firms, the Janesville School District and Rock County 5.0, more than 600 students will get direct exposure to several meaningful career possibilities.”

 

“One of our promises to the community is centered on student and school success,” said Steve Pophal, Superintendent of the School District of Janesville. “Manufacturing Day is a great example of providing students with access to local manufacturers who need skilled workers, and it allows students to see how Blackhawk Technical College can help them continue on their pathway of success.”

                                                                                                                                                                          

Manufacturing Day is an annual national event supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers.

 

According to ManufacturingInstitute.org, the average manufacturing worker will be 56 by 2020.  By 2025, more than 3.4 million manufacturing jobs will become available in the United States, however with the looming “skills gap” the institute has forecasted the labor shortage could leave as many as 2 million jobs unfilled. 

 

Participating high schools include:

Evansville, Beloit Memorial, Clinton, Parkview, FJ Turner, Craig, Parker, Juda, Milton, Tagos Leadership Academy, ARISE Virtual Academy, Rock River Charter, and Rock University High School.

 

Participating employers include:

Fairbanks Morse Engine, Seneca Foods Corporation, SSI Technologies, North American Pipe Corporation, Lanair Products, Kuhn North America, Cotta Transmission, GOEX Corporation, Regal Beloit, United Alloy, Charter NEX Films, Riverside Energy Center (Alliant Energy), Baker Manufacturing Company, Pratt Industries, Tigre ADS USA, Angi Energy Systems, Frito Lay, Scot Forge, Prent, MPC, Stainless Tank and Equipment, Edgerton Gear, Blue Scope, Monroe Trucking Equipment, Stainless Tool and Equipment, Toledo Molding and Die, and Orchid Monroe