On October 4, National Manufacturing Day, Union County kicked off a month-long celebration of local manufacturing through the Make It in Union County initiative. Hosted at Rolling Hills Country Club, the breakfast event welcomed over 100 attendees, including representatives from local manufacturers, elected officials, and business leaders. The keynote speaker, Chris Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, underscored the vital role manufacturing plays in our economy and workforce.
About Make It In Union County
Make It in Union County is a grassroots effort to increase awareness among students, educators, parents, and the public of the positive impact of manufacturers on our community, as well as the promising career opportunities in manufacturing. For 10 years, Make It In Union County was a week. But it has grown so much that a single week is no longer enough to spotlight all the ways local manufacturers are shaping our community. This celebration of modern manufacturing is designed to engage directly with Union County’s future workforce and emphasize the career potential within the sector.
Highlights of the Month:
- 40 workers from local manufacturers are sending speakers into Union County Public Schools to talk with middle and high school students about career paths in manufacturing. These talks cover both production and support roles, such as HR, finance, and customer service.
- 14 school field trips will bring students into local manufacturing facilities, providing a firsthand look at real-world production processes.
- South Piedmont Community College will host an open house on October 17 at its Union County campuses, showcasing educational opportunities in trades and industrial careers.
These initiatives will reach over 1,800 students, helping to build interest in manufacturing careers and create long-term solutions for workforce development.
At the breakfast, YOUR Union County Chamber recognized the manufacturers and education partners who are participating in activites this month.
At the core of Make It in Union County is the mission to ensure that students, parents, and residents understand that modern manufacturing offers high-skill, high-paying, and secure career opportunities. Manufacturing is thriving, and with more than 506,000 unfilled jobs in the industry nationwide, there is no better time to spotlight the opportunities available in Union County and beyond.
Last modified: December 19, 2024
