Students experience manufacturing careers, thanks to TMEP program
Students were able to learn about various company operations, technical skills, and opportunities for careers.
Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) supported a series of events throughout the month of October to showcase the importance of manufacturing in our state. A notable highlight this year was a series of student tours. These tours aimed to introduce students to the world of manufacturing, sparking interest in this critical industry that powers so much of our economy.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of Manufacturing Month is seeing the excitement on students’ faces as they explore the innovative world of manufacturing,” said the TMEP team.
This year, students from Hutchison School and White Station High School in Memphis had the opportunity to visit various manufacturing facilities in the western part of the state. These tours were a hands-on way for students to learn about the careers that fuel manufacturing and to see how modern manufacturing is transforming industries in real-time.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to these schools for their participation, and we’re equally grateful to our sponsors and community partners who made these events possible. It’s a community effort, and together, we’re helping inspire the next generation of manufacturers and innovators,” TMEP said.
A fascinating stop on the student tour was Memphis Paper Optics, a local company based in Bartlett, Tennessee, that has produced over 4 billion optical glasses. Students were able to learn about the company’s operations, the technology behind optical production, and how this local manufacturer contributes to global markets. The tour provided students with a real-world look at how a small Tennessee company can have a massive global impact, and we hope it sparked interest in future careers in manufacturing and engineering.
National Manufacturing Month isn’t just a time to celebrate the industry’s successes; it’s a chance to inspire the next generation of talent. The future of manufacturing relies on today’s students—tomorrow’s engineers, operators, and leaders. Through initiatives like these student tours, TMEP aims to make manufacturing more accessible and engaging for young people, showing them the innovative and rewarding career paths that exist in this field.
Read more on the TMEP website.
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