Discover Manufacturing Expo for high school students

Two hundred high school students will take a unique field trip on Tuesday, Oct. 24, to explore the Illinois Valley’s manufacturing industry as part of the 2023 Discover Manufacturing Expo at Illinois Valley Community College.

Students from 14 high schools will tour company sites in the morning before assembling at IVCC for lunch and presentations. Then they’ll rotate through the College’s gym and the Peter Miller Community Technology Center for break-out sessions led by IVCC faculty and company representatives. Those sessions focus on career tracks such as computer aided drafting, engineering, electronics, manufacturing, equipment maintenance, and welding.

The day’s keynote speaker will be Christopher Connors, regional economic development manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Regional Economic Development. He will discuss the importance of manufacturing and the careers it offers.

October marks Manufacturing Month, recognizing the industry as a key multi-billion-dollar engine powering the state’s economy and employing almost 10 percent of the state’s workforce, according to the state proclamation.

“The Expo is a perfect way to introduce students to careers in manufacturing, as well as to local employers. Manufacturing offers diverse career paths, including science, engineering, mechanics, finance, sales, communications and beyond,” said Jennifer Scheri, Director of Continuing Education and Business Services.

Students enjoy the company tours, she said. “They are intrigued by the automation found in many of the facilities and surprised by the earnings potential. I think they leave the Expo aware of the opportunities locally, as well as the potential to grow within a company and earn a substantial wage.”

Manufacturing employs more than 6,000 people in La Salle County and pays an average of $79,400 to workers in the state, she said.

This year marks the ninth Expo that is hosted by North Central Regional Betterment Coalition (NCRBC), IVCC, Starved Rock Associates Vocational & Technical Education (SRAVTE), and sponsors and supporters.

Companies hosting tours are:  MMI, LaSalle; HCC, Mendota; SABIC, Ottawa; Vactor, Streator;  Epsilyte, Peru; Garden Denver, Princeton; Allegion, Princeton; Black Bros. Co., Mendota; CANAM Steel, Peru, and Constellation, Seneca.