Manufacturing Day offers glimpse at career options

Last week, area students got a chance to learn more about possibilities for their futures.

At the inaugural Manufacturing Day -- hosted by the Workforce Development Board of Southeast Missouri, the Career and Technology Center, the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and other organizations -- students were able to explore career options in the manufacturing field.

There were live demonstrations and information from businesses in the region that incorporate technology, tools and more.

Businesses that participated were Rubbermaid, Buzzi Unicem USA, Havco Wood Products, Link Electronics, Mondi Jackson, Major Custom Cable, Schaefer's Electrical Enclosures and Signature Packaging & Paper. Southeast Missouri State University's School of Polytechnic Studies also had a representative on hand with a 3-D printer and to provide information about degrees in technology.

June O'Dell, president of the Workforce Development Board of Southeast Missouri, said that the event, which was held Oct. 11, wasn't meant to take anything away from pursuing a traditional college education or its value. Instead, it was meant to showcase another path students might take to develop skills and earn an above-average income post-high school.

O'Dell noted that on-the-job training is offered by many manufacturing businesses to talented people who want to pursue, and excel in, that field.

"And the company will pay for it because they see something in a particular person that needs to be developed," she said.

We're all for students examining their options when it comes to career paths, and hope our future generation find places that fit their passions and skills.