BEDFORD – A series of manufacturing-based events and activities were planned and implemented throughout the
week of September 27th – October 1st. Students that participated included 8th-grade students from Mitchell, Shoals, and Orleans schools and 9th -12th-grade students at the North Lawrence Career Center who attend Bedford North Lawrence, Mitchell, Medora, Orleans, and Brownstown Central High Schools.
Goals for Manufacturing Week were to increase awareness of what manufacturing is; share the importance it has in our communities, region, state, and nation; and identify and explore potential careers in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing Week was deemed a huge success by all involved in the planning and execution of the program.
Through Manufacturing Week coordinated by the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council’s (LCEGC) Workforce Coalition, all students had access to a quality learning environment and could participate in an opportunity to
experience successful outcomes.
“It was a privilege working with each of our sponsors and partners and it was captivating for me to see students engaging in activities throughout the week,” says LCEGC Marketing Manager, Jennifer Jones. “We’d like to thank our sponsors as this project was made possible by In-MaC, GM Kids Foundation, and Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation thru our partner, Stone City Products. Special thanks to our partners, North Lawrence Career Center, COSMOS (Collaboration of Shoals, Mitchell, and Orleans Schools), the Orange County Economic Development Partnership, 1340 AM WBIW, Jasper Seating, Inc., and Lincoln Electric. None of it would have been possible without this community of invested stakeholders coming together to make it happen.”
The annual observance of Manufacturing Day and the commitment from the community’s invested stakeholders to evolve the event into an entire week-long, educational program was crucial as Advanced Manufacturers in Lawrence and Orange Counties continue to struggle with attracting and retaining the needed workforce to fully operate their organizations. Employers have indicated to LCEGC’s Director of Career Development, Joe Timbrook, that for many positions a person with experience and a certificate would be hired.
About the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council
The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council is a non-profit, local economic development organization (LEDO) existing to support the growth of Lawrence County Businesses including startup support, workforce solutions, and technical assistance which promotes investment that improves the quality of life for our citizens. Learn more at www.lawrencecountygrowth.com.
