The Pennsylvania Department of Education visited McDowell Manufacturing, a student-run initiative, at McDowell High School to learn how students are being prepared for careers in manufacturing and beyond. 

National Manufacturing Day is held annually on the first Friday in October. The day helps showcase the reality and future of modern manufacturing careers. 

McDowell says students at McDowell Manufacturing are learning how to fill four million high-skill, high-tech, and high-paying jobs while still in high school. 

McDowell Manufacturing works with local major businesses including the Northwestern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Advanced Welding Technologies, EPA Manufacturing, F&S Tool, and Munot Plastics. 

According to the high school, the partnerships help advance work readiness in students. 

“I am elated to join McDowell Manufacturing and the Millcreek Township School District to discuss the importance of technical education in high schools and how programs, like McDowell Manufacturing, are setting students up for success by engaging them in real-world projects and partnerships. There is no better time to highlight the success of these programs than the day before National Manufacturing Day,” said Secretary Mumin. “The skills these students are learning while still in high school are skills that will lead them to high-demand, high-paying jobs. Providing students with the opportunity to network and work with successful businesses in their local communities is beneficial for everyone involved and I cannot wait to see McDowell Manufacturing continue to grow and thrive.”

 

More information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education can be found here.