In October, Arizona MEP collaborated with manufacturers, industry partners and educators to create a series of impactful events to promote the manufacturing industry in celebration of Manufacturing Month. Events included student tours, business expo and networking events, like the Arizona Manufacturing Summit, which honors manufacturers for company achievements and leadership. Student engagement in manufacturing tours gives students a peek at potential career opportunities.
Engaging with Students at Manufacturer Tours
For the third year in a row, Arizona MEP and Arizona Department of Education partnered to expose high school students to manufacturing by having them tour client companies. These tours enable students to experience first-hand what it’s like to work for a manufacturing company and meet the individuals who have taken this career path.
Highlights include student tours in the Northwest Valley, where 50 students explored Latham Industries and built flashlights from a small, printed circuit board. E3 Displays provided a tour of its facility, where students learned about what is assembled in a cleanroom and ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering provided a presentation on upcoming engineering opportunities.
At a separate tour of NXP Semiconductors, students learned about the chips made at the facility and toured the plant where they gowned-up to experience a cleanroom operation. At A3D Manufacturing, tours of its manufacturing facilities gave students the opportunity to use the 3D printing and additive manufacturing equipment.
Industry Engagement Celebrates Achievements and Promotes Connections
Arizona Manufacturing Month 2024 showcased the strength, innovation and collaboration within the state’s thriving manufacturing sector. Events like the Southern Arizona Tech & Business Expo, PADT NERTOBER FEST, and the Arizona Manufacturing Summit brought together manufacturers, educators and industry leaders to celebrate achievements and strategize for future workforce development.
Arizona MEP is proud to have played a pivotal role in this year’s success and is already planning for an even bigger Manufacturing Month in 2025. With a commitment to expanding student tours and creating inspiring, hands-on experiences, Arizona MEP aims to spark interest in manufacturing careers and drive the industry forward. Learn more at www.azmep.org.