THINK Manufacturing Career Showcase marks 10th anniversary

        The Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) recently hosted the 10th annual THINK Manufacturing Career Showcase at the Fremont Community Recreation Complex, marking a significant milestone for the program.
        The event, held Oct. 3, drew participation from 850 students representing seven schools in the area, including Gibsonburg, Fremont Ross, St. Joe Catholic School, Bellevue, Clyde, Lakota and Margaretta.
        The THINK Manufacturing Career Showcase aims to introduce ninth-grade students to the essential skill sets required in the manufacturing industry. Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on activities facilitated by 12 local manufacturers, offering the opportunity to explore potential career paths in the manufacturing industry and gain familiarity with the companies based in Sandusky County.
        Participating manufacturers included Autokiniton, Amcor, BMG, Crown Battery, First Choice Packaging, Green Bay Packaging, Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties, Motion Controls Robotics Inc, Standard Technologies, Whirlpool, and Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers (Manufacturing Technologies & Robotics division).
        “We are thrilled with the turnout and the engagement we saw from the students,” said Kyleigh Lash, Communications & Project Administrator at the SCEDC. “The showcase provided a platform for students to interact with industry professionals, learn about different manufacturing careers, and gain insights into the exciting opportunities available in the field.”
        The event featured interactive exhibits, informative presentations, and discussions aimed at engaging the next generation of manufacturing professionals. The committee identified six essential skill sets crucial to the manufacturing industry, which were the focal point of the event – teamwork, problem-solving, continuous improvement, machining trades, mechanical & electrical trades, and robotics & automation.
        “We are grateful to all the manufacturers and schools that participated in making this event a success,” added Beth Hannam, director of the SCEDC. “By fostering these connections between students and industry leaders, we hope to cultivate a strong and skilled workforce for the future of manufacturing.”
        To celebrate the milestone, the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the morning before the students’ arrival for the showcase.
        For more information about the Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation and its initiatives, visit sanduskycountyedc.net or email Kyleigh Lash at communications@sanduskycountyedc.org.