Manufacturing Month in review

Manufacturing is an in-demand industry that can lead to rewarding and well-paying careers. Companies, schools, and colleges throughout the country are celebrating during the month of October and using the opportunity to draw attention to all the industry has to offer.

Manufacturing Days at CI Events

Companies choose to mark the occasion in any number of ways. While some are content to simply wave the banner, others like Cincinnati Incorporated are making a real difference in the lives of students and the future of the industry. Each year in October, Cincinnati Incorporated (CI) hosts students from the area’s local high schools, vocational schools, and technical colleges. These days include facility tours, a chance to interact with the company’s engineers and professionals, and an opportunity to see some of the industry’s leading machine tools in action.

Students from Harrison High watching a demonstration of the CL-900 Fiber Laser during the Manufacturing Days at CI event. One student is showing off the laser cut part that was given to each student during their visit.

CI’s Human Resources Administrator, Lynn Walsh, explained that such events provide a perspective well beyond what any classroom can offer. “And sometimes,” she said, “it can be a real eye-opening experience.”

“Today’s younger generation has grown up with technology. They employ it in their daily lives and expect it to be a part of their careers,” said Walsh. “Many students are surprised at just how technical manufacturing is. These opportunities provide a unique insight into today’s sophisticated machinery, software, and processes. This goes a long way in dispelling any myths and helps to recruit future equipment operators, programmers, engineers, technicians, and industry professionals.”

“CI has unwavering commitment to bring students, teachers and trade schools together to help inspire the next generation of manufacturers and build a pipeline for tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce,” said Cincinnati Incorporated’s Corporate Recruiter, Ty Andrisek.

All Year Long

While some companies limit such activities to a single day or month, CI extends this initiative throughout the year through its collaborative education programs at both the high school and college levels.

Each semester, students from the University of Cincinnati’s Engineering and Manufacturing Programs gain hands-on experience through CI’s Co-op program. Similarly, CI is working with DePaul Cristo Rey High School (Cincinnati, OH) to provide students with real-life experience. DePaul Cristo Rey has a mission to educate young people who have the potential but limited financial means. Their education is supported through a dynamic academic program, partnered with an innovative Corporate Work Study Program.

“For too long, students and other prospective employees have had inaccurate perceptions of the industry – and the result has been a mounting labor shortage.” Said CI’s Vice President of Human Resources, Donna Szarwark. “Opening our doors to students sheds a light on what the industry is all about and exposes students to its wide career options.”

Currently, CI is offering four DePaul Cristo Rey students, sophomore through senior levels, an opportunity to experience manufacturing’s many career options. In addition to Production, students are exposed to such areas as Accounting, Parts and Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The programs not only provide students with exposure to careers throughout the manufacturing industry but helps to offset tuition costs.

“We are naturally excited by all of our partnerships,” concluded Szarwark. “From college Co-op programs to our high school work-study program, any time we can help draw attention to what manufacturing has to offer is a good thing – not only for the students and CI – but for the future of the industry.”

Impact on Industry Award Nominee

Also, this month, Cincinnati Incorporated celebrated being nominated for the “Impact on Industry Award” at the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Gala in Chicago, Illinois. CI was honored for demonstrating a continuous commitment to the industry through leadership, volunteerism, and charitable support of programs that introduce young people to numerous career opportunities in manufacturing. The NBT is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of manufacturers in fun and engaging ways and this aligns with CI’s philanthropic efforts that touch and impact those in need, not only in the manufacturing industry but beyond.