Hundreds of Rockford area students explore careers in manufacturing

Chris Green, Rockford Register Star
·2 min read
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About 450 high school students from nine Rockford area school districts were hosted Tuesday by area manufacturers for Rockford Regional Manufacturing Day at Rockford Career College.

Representatives from about 20 area manufacturers looking to hire and train students right out of high school stood behind tables and handed out brochures, business cards and delivered their best sales pitches to the students, most of whom are still pondering what their next step will be after high school.

Jake Hutmacher and Mark Javurek of Forest City Gear, a manufacturer of fine and medium pitch custom gears, attended the expo for the first time and were pleased by the number of students who showed an interest in their business.

"The manufacturing industry is looking for help, including us," Hutmacher said.

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Javurek said a four-year college is not the only path to a meaningful career.

"Certifications and apprenticeship programs in manufacturing are going to get you experience," he said. "At the same time, you can get a hands-on an education."

Phoenix Greenlee, 15, of Hononegah High School, said he is interested in assembly and repair as well as CNC work. At the expo, he was careful not to limit himself to one field.

"I want to stop at all the tables," he said. "I want to see all the different jobs."

Michael Hubers spoke to students on behalf of the American Welding Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and application of welding. He said the organization awards scholarships to student interested in welding.

Audrey Killeen, 17, a senior at Hononegah High School, expressed more than a passing interest in the field.

"I've done welding on our farm," she said. "I like it."

The expo, put on by Career Education Associates of North Central Illinois, also exposes students to other jobs within a manufacturing business, such as truck driving, logistics, human resources and building maintenance.

Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Manufacturing day connects hundreds of students with local businesses