Copyright Norfolk Virginian-Pilot
Manufacturing and Trades Day is an annual event introducing high school students to careers in modern manufacturing, technology and logistics. It includes facility tours, expert talks and hands-on activities, and is organized by schools, businesses and groups such as the Association for Manufacturing Excellence. During the event, employers in Williamsburg and James City County share information about careers in production, operations, maintenance, programming, robotics, design and engineering. Students also learn about professions in skilled trades such as welding, construction, carpentry, and metalworking. This year marks the 11th anniversary of Manufacturing and Trades Day in the Williamsburg area. In previous years, organizations such as Anheuser-Busch, Ball Corp. and Walmart Distribution Center collaborated with local educational institutions to highlight industry-specific skills and highlight career opportunities. This year, George Nice & Sons, Nicewood Enterprises, Owens-Illinois (O-I), Printpack, Coresix and the Toano Trades Center at Virginia Peninsula Community College will be hosting students from three area high schools. The program urges companies to host tours for students, educators and parents, and regularly holds job fairs and expos to promote manufacturing careers. Work-based learning, offered by the Virginia Department of Education, prepares students for future careers by exposing them to new opportunities, helping them make informed decisions, building professional networks, and improving their competitiveness for college admissions or employment. WBL includes internships, mentorships, externships, service learning and job shadowing. Youth apprenticeship programs combine classroom study with hands-on work, enabling students to earn diplomas, college credits and certifications while helping employers develop skilled talent. These programs, still developing in many states, play a vital role in matching education with workforce needs and require strong collaboration among stakeholders. Manufacturing and Trades Day and similar events highlight occupational opportunities in robotics, engineering, skilled trades,and construction, motivating students to engage in Career & Technical Education, or CTE, and preparing them for roles in high-demand sectors. These initiatives encourage high school students to pursue manufacturing careers and supports STEM education. Public-private partnerships are indispensable to addressing workforce needs and advancing American manufacturing. Cooperation between education and industry stakeholders ensures students are equipped to meet both current and future professional challenges. Continued involvement from educators and industry leaders is vital as AME Manufacturing Day expands. Updating curricula and offering mentorship helps students learn about career paths in manufacturing, supports local economies and equips students with skills for shifting workforce. The future development of Manufacturing Day and related initiatives is influenced by sustained investment in education, ongoing collaboration between industry and academic leaders, and the ability to scale successful models to communities across the country. Incorporating new technologies and fostering workforce participation may increase access to manufacturing careers for students from various backgrounds. The Association for Manufacturing Excellence and its volunteers participate in advocacy and public awareness efforts to promote the relevance of manufacturing in innovation and economic growth, as well as to prepare individuals for future roles within the skilled workforce. Glenn Marshall is an Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) volunteer who lives in Williamsburg. Contact him at marsh8279@aol.com.
