Seneca County DJFS hosts about 750 students for manufacturing event
Students from 10 schools learn directly from local manufacturers
[Tiffin, OH Oct. 12, 2018] – Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services hosted the county’s third-annual manufacturing showcase Friday.
The event, which lasted all day and was held at the Heminger Center on Tiffin University’s campus, was for ninth-grade students to learn about careers in manufacturing. They had the opportunity to participate in hands-on skill demonstrations focusing on six skills: team building, lean practices, employability, machining, supply chain and mechanical engineering/electrical trades/automation.
About 750 students from Bridges Community Academy, Calvert, Carey, Fostoria City Schools, Hopewell-Loudon, New Riegel, Old Fort, Seneca East and Tiffin City Schools attended the event.
Several manufacturers staffed tables with various activities. The manufacturers that attended the event included Callies Performance Products, The Mennel Milling Company, NSI Crankshaft, and Charter Steel of Fostoria, American Fine Sinter, National Machinery, Taiho, Webster and Toledo Molding & Die of Tiffin. Sentinel Career and Technology Center will also have a skills booth.
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Cynthia Dungey spoke to students at the event.
“We’re excited to partner with Seneca County OhioMeansJobs to showcase all the many opportunities available for young people today in the manufacturing industry, including many in-demand occupations with apprenticeship programs,” said Dungey, who is director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, which manages the state’s ApprenticeOhio program. “Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, without racking up student loan debt. Graduates earn an average of $60,000 a year when they graduate.”
Ohioans with Disabilities Director Kevin Miller also addressed students.
“We are pleased to be a partner in the Seneca County Showcase,” Miller said. “OOD works with students with disabilities beginning at age 14 to get an early start in identifying career interests. OOD’s business relations team works with employers to identify job opportunities that match our job seekers’ skills sets and experience. Manufacturing jobs are a key part of Ohio’s economy; individuals with disabilities are a vital asset in our state.”
Carol Kern, Business Services Consultant for Seneca DJFS, was excited about the turnout.
“There is a shortage of skilled trade workers and we are hoping this event will change perceptions about today’s manufacturing facilities as well as make students aware of the career opportunities associated with advanced manufacturing,” she said.