#282. Manufacturing Camp

We never know where we will find our next Agurban story. This week it came from a local high school’s announcements to its students. One announcement concerned a Manufacturing Camp held on the campus of a nearby community college. We had to know more!

The local camp is being held at Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, IL, July 26 – 29, 2010. The camp is opened to high school students and registration is FREE. Lunch is also provided. The four day camp will allow attendees to explore 3D Modeling and Design, Biodiesel Production, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Electrical Troubleshooting, Hydraulics, Process Technology, and Welding.  Visits to local businesses will also be provided to get a up close look at Advanced manufacturing.

Kathy Swinson, coordinator of the camp at Wabash Valley College, commented, “We are excited to be able to offer this Manufacturing Camp.  We received a grant from the President’s Community-Based Job Training program.”  High-school students in the Wabash Valley College service area who are interested in learning more about the manufacturing camp are encouraged to contact Kathy via email (swinsonk@iecc.edu) or by phone (618.395.4653).

Another group, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), The Foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), also offers grants for manufacturing camps. One of the founders of NBT was John Ratzenberger (of Cheers fame).  The goal of the camp is to introduce young people to careers in manufacturing and engineering, while giving them hands-on-experience that builds their confidence, skills set, and foundation for a successful future.”

According to NBT’s website, www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org, numerous camps are being held throughout the country this summer.  Visit their site to see if a camp is being offered near you.

Manufacturing is often viewed as the most important industry for a strong national economy and national security. Manufacturing Camps are a great way to introduce young people to this vital industry.