High school students see variety of career options available at Manufacturing Career Camp
MaKenzie Hamilton had it in her mind that she wanted to be a military nurse. Then the Holy Savior Menard sophomore attended Louisiana Central’s inaugural Manufacturing Career Camp. She saw that there are multiple jobs in manufacturing that are not only for men. Women can pursue them, too.
“We were at Hayes Manufacturing today, and there were a lot of automated welding robots," Hamilton said. "I saw a woman that was grinding the angled bars. It was it was very cool to see.”
She was amazed to see women working in a plant right besides men.
“They're very good at their job. It's amazing that I'm able to see that,” she said.
Rose Killion, human resource generalist I for Boise Cascade, said the question they get asked quite a bit is if they hire women to work at their manufacturing sites and jobs.
"The resounding response is yes. We are very proud of our diverse workforce and all the women who lead from the manufacturing front,” said Killion. For many years, Boise Cascade has had a strong diversity, equity and inclusion philosophy.
Boise Cascade’s facility in Alexandria is an Engineered Wood Products Plant, she said.
"We manufacture Versa Lam and I-Joists beams from raw materials supplied to us from our plywood/veneer operations. Our products are the structural base 'bones' of residential homes, commercial construction and many other facets of construction applications," said Killion. "Boise Cascade is a leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials with the intent of bringing people, productions and services together to build strong homes, businesses and communities that stand the test of time."
Jarvis Thomas, who will be in the 12th grade this upcoming school year at Red River Academy in Mansura, said Louisiana Central opened up the possibilities of new jobs. The camp gave him an insight into all the different jobs that are out there. And when visiting the facilities, he said it felt like most were like a family.
Louisiana Central, the area’s economic-development organization, developed the camp with guidance from their Manufacturing Council. High school sophomores and juniors learned about career opportunities offered by area manufacturers like Hayes Manufacturing, Crest Industries, Boise Cascade, ULTX Manufacturing LLC, Procter & Gamble, RoyOMartin, LaSalle Lumber Company, PlasticPak Packaging Inc., Manchac Technologies, LLC and AFCO Industries.
“Over the next few years, research indicates that hundreds of new manufacturing jobs will come from existing and new industries in the region,” said Lafe Jones, vice president and executive director of industry relations at Louisiana Central in a press release. “Our sponsoring manufacturing partners are giving on-site demonstrations to high schoolers during this camp, while they expose them to the diversity of jobs available now and in the future, as well as the training required for these jobs."
On Friday, Sarah Sasser, talent management director; Madelyn Mayeux, talent acquisition specialist and Sarah Ceballos, human resources generalist of Crest Industries, spoke to the students about the company that specializes in electric power delivery, industrial services, distribution, specialty chemicals and natural resources.
Students learned about career opportunities and all the companies come under the umbrella of Crest Industries, like DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations, DIS-TRAN Steel, Beta Engineering, Optimal, Mid-State Supply, Avant Organics, Millenium Galvanizing and Crest Natural Resources.
Students toured facilities where they could see how the process works and learned about products created here in Central Louisiana. They also got to participate in hands-on activities and learn more about education available for these career choices from schools like Central Louisiana Technical Community College.
Thomas said seeing people working at different jobs gave him insight into what they do as opposed to what he thought the job was and how it is portrayed on TV.
“It’s more complicated and intellectual than what it seems,” he said. “There are certain skills that must be mastered, and if you don’t know those skills, they’ll teach you on the job or in the classroom.”
Students visited one facility where coding was used.
“They did do coding but it’s really simple. If you can draw it, you can code it. Or, you can use your hands,” Thomas said. “You can computer code on it and shows a certain shape on a board. You can transfer it on paper and whatever you want welded, they can do it.”
This is referred to as transcription.
Could Hamilton see a job in manufacturing as a career option?
“It is definitely a career path that all men and young men and women should consider pursuing. Through this camp I learned that,” she said.
“Creating opportunities for hands-on learning outside of a traditional classroom setting are crucial for students to gain excitement about career paths. Participating students get a diverse look at the career options available in Central Louisiana at manufacturing facilities,” said Javonti Thomas, Program Coordinator at Louisiana Central, in the release.
When opportunity meets talent, drive and eagerness, Killion said that Boise Cascade is always willing to explore partnerships through education, internships and leadership development to help students learn and get experience in manufacturing.
“We hope students learn that manufacturing is an exciting, secure, and prosperous career choice with many different business opportunities which can lead to only the brightest of futures,” said Killion.
This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Students see variety of careers available at Manufacturing Career Camp
