Illinois governor urges students to consider careers in manufacturing

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner highlighted exciting new advanced manufacturing career opportunities with a group of over 150 students from five Chicago high schools recently.

“Manufacturing jobs have a reputation for being dirty and dangerous, but the industry continues to evolve and innovate every day, which requires a highly skilled workforce to fill these good-paying jobs,” Rauner said. “Investing in our young people and giving them the resources they need to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing is one of our top priorities. We must continue our work to make Illinois a more business-friendly environment to create more high-quality and high-paying jobs for these bright students who will take over this critical industry.”

Wilbur Wright College Humboldt Park Campus hosted the event in partnership with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), the Chicago Metro Metal Consortium, the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, and the Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corp.

Students from Ombudsman High School, Austin College & Career Academy, Schurz High School, Prosser Career Academy, and Roberto Clemente Community Academy received a tour of the college’s vocational center, where they were informed of the school’s nine-month Advanced Manufacturing Program in CNC. They then had the opportunity to tour Winzeler Gear; WaterSaver Faucet Co.; SG360°, a subsidiary of the Segerdahl Corp.; Laystrom Mfg. Co.; or Freedman Seating Co. Each company provided a presentation of career pathways.

The Advanced Manufacturing Program is nationally recognized and endorsed by the Manufacturing Institute and accredited by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).