DeWITT, N.Y. — Area manufacturers hosted facility tours for students and educators across the region during October. MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, and its affiliate, Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB), organized the tours. Throughout October, more than 450 students from 11 school districts in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley got a look […]
DeWITT, N.Y. — Area manufacturers hosted facility tours for students and educators across the region during October.
MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, and its affiliate, Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB), organized the tours.
Throughout October, more than 450 students from 11 school districts in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley got a look at modern manufacturing and potential career opportunities. The objective of the facility tours is to show real-world examples of high-tech, high-demand manufacturing careers for students who may want to pursue that kind of work.
October is New York State’s official acknowledgement of Manufacturing Month, DeWitt–based MACNY noted.
“Manufacturing Month is about inspiring the next generation and showing them the exciting, meaningful careers available right here in New York,” Randy Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, said in the announcement. “By opening their doors, manufacturers are not only highlighting advanced technologies and innovation, but also their vital role in building strong communities. We’re proud to partner with educators and industry leaders to create pathways for students to join this dynamic and growing sector.”
Groups toured facilities such as Gardall Safe Corporation of Syracuse; Golden Artist Colors in New Berlin; TTM Technologies of DeWitt; Inficon in DeWitt; Belden in DeWitt; Byrne Dairy; Eaton of Syracuse; JPW Structural Contracting, Inc. of DeWitt; Morse Manufacturing of Salina; Haun Welding Supply & Specialty Gases; OCWA – Central New York’s Water Authority; and Ralph W. Earl Co. Inc. of DeWitt.
“MACNY’s celebration of Manufacturing Month is a reminder that collaboration can shape the future of our region’s workforce,” Scott Walker, VP of operations for Inficon, said in the MACNY announcement. “INFICON is proud to show students and teachers that today’s manufacturing is driven by innovation, precision, and advanced technology. Our cleanrooms are high-tech and dynamic; it’s exactly the kind of exposure that can spark interest in a manufacturing career.”
During the tours, students were able to see up-close modern manufacturing and advanced technologies, such as precision metalwork and large-scale fabrication to high-tech electronics, and specialty products. Throughout the visits, students met with employees, asked questions about career paths, and watched demonstrations of the creativity and collaboration involved in manufacturing careers.
“These tours give students the unique opportunity to see modern manufacturing in action — from the equipment and processes to the people who make it all possible. For many, it’s their first time stepping inside a facility and envisioning themselves in a future career. Manufacturing Month allows us to connect education with industry in powerful ways, helping young people explore career options while strengthening our region’s workforce pipeline,” Emily Langan, manager of PEB, said.
