"The Collaboration Can be Amazing!"

• LIFT Network Career Exploration Videos
• Curated collection of manufacturing-related videos
• Conversations with regional manufacturers
• Career pathway pages
• PowerPoints and other resources for educators
• Manufacturing business directory
  
  

The Chamber will continue to work with manufacturers and educators to build content and assist students in navigating education pathways—helping them to reach their goals and working to meet our region’s need for manufacturing talent. The search for talent continues to be the top economic development driver in today’s economy, and the Chamber will continue to partner with employers and educators to build a strong, focused talent pipeline.

chamber spoke to Seth Ponder, a Project Lead the Way teacher at Riley High School, who took advantage of the MFG Days materials and incorporated them into his curriculum. Find out what he thinks about MFG Days, the resources, and how businesses can get further engaged. 

What are your thoughts on the concept of MFG Day(s) overall, in terms of placing a focus on modern-day manufacturing (whether in-person or virtual)? 

I believe showing our students and educators modern manufacturing is great. It helps educators share relevant careers and realistic projects with students. It is also a great opportunity for students to see successful careers in the South Bend Region. Since it was virtual this year, it was easy to share with parents through email and social media too.  

How did you use the MFG Days materials? (videos, career pathway pages, PowerPoints, etc.)?

What kind of reaction did you receive from your students?

As an educator, what other tools do you still need to get through to your students about career opportunities in manufacturing?

Riley High School is planning on adding a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Project Lead the Way) class in the next three to five years to help prepare students for the manufacturing careers in our area. We would also love for guest speakers to come to school and talk to our students. I know that can’t happen right now, but when it is okay, having that personal touch and experience is so helpful to the students.

What advice do you have to the business community, in order to encourage their participation in programs like this?

Having the business community in the classroom is very helpful for the magnet programs and classrooms to stay relevant with ideas and projects. All educators want students' resumes and talents to be ready for the workforce when they leave our schools. Students need more positive role models who are willing to share their story and help mentor them. Many educators are trying to create “brain gain,” not “brain drain.” Giving students more positive role models so they can see that there are successful jobs in the area is invaluable. These collaborations between business and education can be amazing! 

Giving students a glimpse of what’s out there is so important. I’ve had so many return during or after college saying, I chose this major because of Manufacturing Day or a field trip at Notre Dame, or because of the programs I learned about from the Chamber.