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ThomasNet launches scholarship program to encourage manufacturing careers

In a move to draw the next generation into manufacturing, ThomasNet® has launched its North American Manufacturing Scholarship Program. Up to 30 graduating high school seniors with an interest in manufacturing careers each will receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue studies at a two- or four-year college or a vocational-technical school.

Applicants must be graduating U.S. high school seniors or Canadian secondary students who plan to major in engineering, supply chain management/business operations, or learn a skilled trade. Interested students and educators can find out more about the scholarship by visiting www.thomasnet.com and applying directly at www.thomasnetscholarship.com. The application deadline is July 1, 2013.

"We hope to have parents, educators, and the manufacturing community join us in encouraging young students to transform their ingenuity and passion into a career in this exciting industry," said Eileen Markowitz, president of ThomasNet.

According to ThomasNet.com's 2012 Industry Market Barometer® (IMB) survey, almost 50 percent of manufacturers are seeking to bring on new staff, including engineers, line workers, and skilled trade workers. Yet, despite high unemployment rates in the U.S. and Canada, manufacturers often have more jobs than talented people to fill them. That spells new professional opportunities for high school graduates who want to innovate; make products that are used all over the world; and leverage their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training.