HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Students put on their safety goggles on Friday morning and talked with local companies for the annual Made In the Southern Tier Manufacturing Day event at the SUNY CCC Airport Corporate Park in Horseheads.
National Manufacturing Day is recognized every first Friday in October. In Chemung County, over 20 local manufacturers came together on this year's annual celebration to show students their contributions and what kind of work goes into making their communities run and flourish.
"I'm just learning about what people do for their jobs and stuff and how it all works, and I feel like my favorite part is the fidget spinner in the water," said Julianna, a local student and attendee. "I thought that was really cool."
Manufacturing vendors provided education, outreach, and demonstrations, like the creation of a metal fidget spinner, for hundreds of local students. Not only does this event help raise awareness and teach kids about a career in manufacturing but, it also addresses the area's skilled workforce needs.
"We have two major projects that are coming up that are going to need alone 700 [members in the] workforce in the next two to three years, and so I think sometimes there's a misconception about manufacturing jobs, that you really have a great career path in staying in your community and having a great quality of life," said Jennifer Herrick-McGonigal, the president of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce.
The Chemung County Chamber of Commerce worked to put this event together with its MFG task force.
Students were able to walk around and talk to industry workers face-to-face. Whether it was automotive work or running a machine to create precision parts for medical use or airplanes, the event gave kids the chance to ask all of their questions about manufacturing. However, they were also able to network in a way that could be important in their future career search.
"Later down the road, when they're seniors in college or seniors in high school, they might want [to say] hey, I remember this and I like that and it was an interest or a passion, and they have an opportunity to make that connection," said Sally Deane-Mosher, the executive director for the Career Development Council.
Between 300-400 students were able to gather information on what kind of in-demand manufacturing jobs are available right here in the Twin Tiers.
Some of the organizers say that kids are the future and they hope the event empowers kids about manufacturing jobs and ensures a thriving community for this region for years to come.