A tour guide speaks to attendees at the 2015 Advancing the Future manufacturing tour
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (October 12, 2016)-Kirkwood’s Advancing the Future manufacturing tour, Oct. 17 – 21, expects record attendance among high school and middle school students. The tour, which is open to the public, is one creative solution countering the industry’s workforce shortages.
Since 2011 the college has been working with manufacturing employers, economic development agencies and community-based organizations through sector partnership. The manufacturing tour was a product of this collaboration.
The aim of Advancing the Future is to change perceptions about manufacturing, while enlightening young people about career opportunities. This is the fourth year for the event.
A record 650 students from Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, Johnson, Linn and Washington county schools are expected to attend this year, up 150 students from prior years.
“By hosting this event, we hope to grow the talent pipeline,” said Erica Bergfeld-Reed, event coordinator. “There are so many career opportunities right here in Iowa’s Creative Corridor.”
Students and the public alike are invited to tour ACH Foam Technologies, Bazooka Farmstar, Centro, ClickStop, Climate Engineers, Engineered Building Design, Midwest Metal Products, MSI Mold Builders and Pickwick Manufacturing. The event is free. For more information regarding safety requirements, visit www.kirkwood.edu/advancingfuture.
*****EVENT*****
What: Advancing the Future | A Tour of Corridor Manufacturers
When: October 17 – 21
Who: Open to the Public
Cost: FREE