A student from Putnam County gets experience at Advanced Drainage Systems.
Courtesy of Karl Schimmoeller
PUTNAM COUNTY — Several businesses welcomed students of Putnam County to participate in National Manufacturing Day.
“We wanted to teach our students about what modern manufacturing looks like,” Director of Workforce Partnership of Putnam County Karl Schimmoeller said. “This was the first time that we are celebrating Manufacturing Day in Putnam County —One of our key mission items is to increase awareness of Putnam County manufacturing in our schools. So, kids, parents and educators are aware of what we have to offer locally to our students in the form of high-paying great careers in manufacturing.”
Schimmoeller also said over 500 students from nine different public students were able to visit one of the eight participating manufacturers. The businesses included Advance Draining Systems, Whirlpool, Endera, Nelson Trailers, Pro-Tec Coatings, B-K Tool, Unverferth Manufacturing and Miller Precision.
“Students were able to go in and learn about that particular company’s products,” Schimmoeller said. “They went through the plant and learned about the process of the product they make. In many cases, they had some hands-on items for them to try or virtual reality — anything to give them exposure.”
Putnam County will reportedly have over 300 job openings in manufacturing.
“We want to just raise that level of awareness of what we have to offer locally,” Schimmoeller said. “Kids don’t have to go to the city or go to a neighboring county to get a very good job that they will turn into a career. All these companies will hire people at entry level and then train them for what they need them to do. They can come in already trained and start out and probably start out at a higher wage.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
