Manufacturing Day is an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on the importance of manufacturing in our daily lives. Typically occurring the first Friday in October, it’s a day dedicated to showcasing the innovations, technologies, and contributions of manufacturers across the nation. Manufacturing Day also provides an opportunity for manufacturers, like Samtec to open their doors to the public, students, and local communities.
Samtec Wilsonville Manufacturing Days
Our Samtec Wilsonville cable plant site sits in the Clackamas College (CCC) district, which has a strong manufacturing/ technology/ welding focus. Career fairs at the college campus have been expanding invitations to all the local high schools, which in turn, helps to attract future students along with helping companies gain access to their future workforce. These are big partnership events coordinated through local employment development branches in the county to help interested people connect to training, education, and a career in manufacturing.
“On October 6, 2023, the Manufacturing Day Career fair confirmed 850 students from 22 high schools, double what we’ve seen in past years! They are looking to add additional “days” to accommodate the attendance. This year, associate Kendra Fox (pictured to the right) is going with me, revisiting where we found her in June of 2022”, said HR manager Laure Kicklighter.
Samtec New Albany Manufacturing Days
Similarly, close to our headquarters in New Albany, IN, a team also participated in Manufacturing Day activities. The regional chamber of commerce helped coordinate activities a little early due to many schools’ fall break schedules. The week of September 25th hosted multiple opportunities for students to engage, with not only Samtec, but many other regional manufacturers.
Close to 800 students, from 18 regional high schools converged on a campus hosted by our regional makerspace, Maker13. Students were able to visit 20 different manufacturers and learn about the products they make as well as the entry points into careers. Samtec utilized the Maker Mobile to allow students to make items using advanced manufacturing tools that contained connectors and cables made by Samtec.
Making Connections in the Community
From East to West, Samtec wants to make a meaningful connection to our local communities. By participating in events and activities like Manufacturing Days, we are able to show amazing opportunities that can turn in to meaningful careers in manufacturing. One of the interesting things about not only Samtec, but other manufactures, is that it takes a team from Co-ops to PhD’s to build, design, market, sell and develop future products.
Leave a Reply