Manufacturing Month Showcases Future Careers and Company Achievements
In October, Arizona MEP collaborated with manufacturers, industry partners, and educators to host a series of events celebrating Manufacturing Month and promoting careers in manufacturing. Activities included student tours, business expos, and networking events such as the Arizona Manufacturing Summit, which recognizes manufacturers for company achievements and leadership.
Student engagement through manufacturing tours gave participants a firsthand look at potential career paths and the opportunity to experience real-world manufacturing environments.
Engaging Students Through Manufacturer Tours
For the third consecutive year, Arizona MEP partnered with the Arizona Department of Education to introduce high school students to manufacturing careers through guided tours of client facilities. These tours allow students to experience what it is like to work in manufacturing and to meet professionals already established in the industry.
Highlights included tours in the Northwest Valley, where 50 students visited Latham Industries and assembled flashlights using printed circuit boards. E3 Displays hosted students at its facility to demonstrate cleanroom assembly processes, while ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering presented information on future engineering opportunities.
During a separate tour at NXP Semiconductors, students learned about semiconductor manufacturing and participated in a cleanroom experience. At A3D Manufacturing, students explored additive manufacturing and used 3D printing equipment to better understand modern production technologies.
Industry Events Celebrate Innovation and Collaboration
Arizona Manufacturing Month 2024 highlighted the innovation, collaboration, and growth within Arizona’s manufacturing sector. Events such as 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 strengthen connections across the ecosystem.
Arizona MEP is proud to have played a key role in this year’s Manufacturing Month and is already planning for an expanded celebration in 2025. By growing student tour opportunities and creating engaging, hands-on experiences, Arizona MEP continues to support workforce development and inspire interest in manufacturing careers. Learn more at www.azmep.org.