DeKalb High School participates in Manufacturing Day
DeKalb High School participates in Manufacturing Day
Posted: Friday, October 3, 2014 11:00 pm | Updated: 12:18 am, Sat Oct 4, 2014.
BY KATHRYN BASSETT
kbassett@kpcmedia.com
WATERLOO — Three of DeKalb County’s major manufacturing companies visited DeKalb High School Friday as part of Manufacturing Day.
Representatives from Metal Technologies Inc., Guardian Industries and Steel Dynamics Inc., were on hand to speak with students about manufacturing careers and manufacturing’s value to the U.S. economy during the school’s lunch hour. Representatives from the DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership also participated in the event.
“We wanted to give (students) some exposure to manufacturing and to different companies in our area,” said Rebecca Pfeffer, the school’s community connections specialist and high-ability coordinator. “Manufacturing is big in northeast Indiana. (Students) are learning what’s in their backyard.”
Manufacturing Day is observed nationwide and is designed to improve the perception of manufacturing and manufacturing careers, inspire a new generation of manufacturers, connect the public with business leaders in their communities and educate the public on what is being made in the community.
According to Manufacturing Day literature, more than 82 percent of manufacturers report a moderate or serious shortage in skilled production workers and more than 75 percent of manufacturers say the skill shortage has negatively impacted their ability to expand.
Friday was the first time DeKalb High School has participated in Manufacturing Day. As well as offering insight into manufacturing careers, the event gave students an opportunity to talk to business and industry professionals, Pfeffer said.
