Friday (Oct. 3) was National Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY). Sponsored by companies in the industry, the mission of MFG DAY is to address misconceptions about the field by encouraging manufacturers to hold open houses and educate the public about what manufacturing is and isn’t.
Participating manufacturers are encouraging current high school and college students to visit their facilities to learn about the trade and get answers to any questions they might have. The aim is to connect with future generations of workers and encourage them to fill the vacancies that manufacturing companies badly need filled.
Houston area events were held by Howard University, Lone Star Community College North and NOV Quality Tubing.
One of the trainers in the HVAC lab at TCCHS
Most manufacturing positions require at least an Associate’s degree plus company-provided training. Locally, Robert Turner College and Career High School offers the opportunity to earn an Associate’s while attending high school. Students can graduate with a two-year degree, which they can use to start a career in a field like manufacturing or begin studying at a four-year college or university as a third-year student. Turner students also get the opportunity to complete a work internship in the field of their choice.
On Sept. 30, Turner instructor Patty Hayes, who teaches welding, HVAC and agricultural mechanics, took 25 students on a field trip to Turner Industries in Pasadena. This company, “has provided a single vendor solution in heavy industrial construction, maintenance, pipe, module and vessel fabrication, equipment, rigging and heavy hauling, and associated specialty services for over 50 years,” according to their website.
Hayes said that they were welcomed by the vice president and given a thorough behind-the-scenes tour, including an opportunity for the students to ask questions. This is just one of several trips that Hayes will take her students on during the school year.
“When we were interviewing teachers before the school opened, we made sure that they knew that they were expected to take students out in the world, coordinate guest speakers, go to job fairs and allow for internships and practicums,” said Assistant Principal Marcette Kilgore. “That’s what makes Turner unique. We make sure that students are prepared to enter the workforce by graduation. We offer 18 different certification pathways as well as College and Career Transition Class (CCTC), which teaches things like professionalism and interviewing skills.”
Kilgore said that the 2013-2014 inaugural year was a success, with 100% of graduating students securing placements in a college or university, the military or an industry. Enrollment is up this year, with almost 1,000 students attending classes. “About 850 students attend Turner full-time,” said Kilgore. “The rest come here from other campuses to take classes provided by Alvin Community College.”
Turner High School is on the lookout for local businesses in the health sciences, information technology and industrial fields to provide students with internship and practicum opportunities. A Roundtable Business Partnership Luncheon is held twice a year to offer a chance for teachers to sit down and have lunch with area business leaders. The next event will take place on Feb 16, 2015. However, business leaders don’t have to wait until then to get plugged in. Community Liaison Sheryl Von Ruff is available to set up tours, register Roundtable participants and answer the community’s questions. She can be reached at 281-727-1600 or vonruffs@pearlandisd.org.
