Students in Chatham-Kent, who may be thinking about life after high school, got some advice from those within the manufacturing sector.
In recognition of Manufacturing Day, about 200 students from Grades 10 through 12, toured different facilities and spoke with company representatives on Friday.
The event was organized by municipal staff with Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services, in coordination with the Lambton Kent District School Board, Chatham Christian Schools, École Élémentaire Catholique Sainte-Marie, and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.
Students spent the day touring ten manufacturing companies including Waltron Trailers, Russell Tool & Die, Aarkel Tool & Die, 1 Source Designs, Windmill Cabinet Shop, ConAgra, Mahle Filter Systems, Dajcor, GWS Tube Forming Solutions, and All-Weld Technologies Ltd.
''Every student I’ve spoken with today has been engaged and has told me that they are learning so much,” said Rosemarie Montgomery, economic development officer. “Even the teachers I’ve spoken with have been over-the-moon excited because they know that their students are connecting the dots between what they are learning and how it can help their future.”
Besides discussing details of the trades, employers also gave students some tips for when applying for jobs in any sector.
"Several employers discussed with students that their attitude towards responsibility is just as important as having the skills for the job," read a release from Economic Development Services.
As stated in a release from the municipality, Chatham-Kent is home to over 180 manufacturers.