Program Designed to continue educating about strong manufacturing career opportunities
(Schertz and Seguin, Texas) Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) 2020 celebrations will look a little different from previous years. In addition to manufacturing facility tours going virtual for the first time due to COVID-19, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (Seguin EDC) and the Schertz Economic Development Corporation (Schertz EDC) are teaming up to celebrate MFG Day as a region.
As a result, the Seguin/Schertz EDCs are partnering with Caterpillar Inc. to virtually showcase the company’s Seguin and Schertz operations with the goal of inspiring local students at Seguin ISD, Navarro ISD, Marion ISD, and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD to pursue a career in manufacturing.
Manufacturing Day, a national observance held annually on the first Friday in October with events throughout the month, allows manufacturers the opportunity to show students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members the highlights of the manufacturing industry.
Promoting Manufacturing Day is a key component of the Seguin/Schertz EDC’s business retention and expansion activities which work to ensure that the communities’ manufacturing bases are supplied with a skilled workforce. The focus on local students is intended to create a pipeline for manufacturers by informing students of the career opportunities available within their own communities.
During the Seguin/Schertz MFG Day, school district students will interact with Cat leadership to learn about the engines and components that are manufactured right in their own backyard.
“The pandemic has reinforced the need for our region to continue to work together to highlight the life-changing opportunity afforded by modern manufacturing careers,” said Adrian Perez, Executive Director of the Schertz EDC. “We appreciate industry partners like Cat who provide our area students a meaningful way to explore the possibilities offered by career paths of the future.”
The planned virtual activities for this year’s Manufacturing Day are a great example of the Seguin/Schertz EDC teams adapting their workforce development initiatives to further strengthen the relationship between manufacturers and education partners.
“Our virtual Manufacturing Day celebration will help manufacturers continue educating students about available careers despite the inability to meet with them face-to-face,” said Josh Schneuker, Executive Director of the Seguin EDC. “Educators and employers working together can collectively build pathways that both fill an economic need for employers and prepare students for success in good jobs.”
This year also marks a significant milestone for the Seguin Caterpillar manufacturing facility, as it is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Seguin.
For more information on Manufacturing Day 2020 activities, follow Schertz and Seguin on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SchertzEDC or www.twitter.com/SeguinEDC.