High School Manufacturing Day 2024

November 21st, 2024 

In today’s job market, the skilled trades are facing a critical shortage of qualified personnel, a challenge that threatens the stability and growth of industries ranging from construction to manufacturing. Aging workforces, combined with declining interest among younger generations, have created a widening skills gap. As more and more skilled workers begin to retire, it is more important now than ever before to create interest in manufacturing and the trades; which is why on October 3rd, we hosted our annual High School Manufacturing Day. 

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​Manufacturing day is an opportunity for students who have shown interest in STEM programs, to visit Meyer Tool and learn about the various careers in Manufacturing. This year we hosted 20 students from Oak Lawn and Carl Sandburg High School. The day began with a brief explanation of what manufacturing is and how the things they learn in class are used every day. Next the students received a shop tour, where they got to see fabrication experts in action. The tour was led by our welding and machining supervisors, Eric Cunningham, and Ken Urban Jr.  Students got to see demonstrations of CNC programming, 5 axis mills machining real parts, and a weld demonstration. The day ended with a QA session with leaders from each department of our shop, where students got to learn how to get involved and what steps take to begin a career in manufacturing.

Business Development Manager, Christian Cunningham, leading a presentation on careers in manufacturing

Machine Shop Supervisor, Kenny Urban Jr., explaining how a horizontal mill works

​Meyer Tool is excited to share career opportunities provided in manufacturing to the next generation. While college students are getting their education, racking up thousands in tuition debt, aspiring candidates in manufacturing can work in some of the trades right out of high school, receive tuition reimbursement for job related courses and garner four years of real-world on-the-job training and experience, incurring zero school debt while earning a living wage! It’s a great alternative for mechanically inclined students who feel traditional college may not provide the skills they need for their vision of a fulfilling career. ​​

​Every year Meyer Tool looks forward to the opportunity to inspire the next generation of fabrication experts. During a time when employees switch jobs more than ever before, its important to get the youth excited about a career in manufacturing. We would like to thank Oak Lawn and Carl Sandburg High School for letting us be a part of this great event. 
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