Alcoa Enticing Young Workers Via Virtual Field Trip For Manufacturing Day

Oct. 3, 2014

"We are thrilled to showcase several of these jobs, which are held by talented members of Alcoa's Davenport team -- a Metallurgical Engineer, Electrical Engineer and Process Specialist. Their passion and enthusiasm for their manufacturing careers will be inspiring for tomorrow's workforce," said Esra Ozer, president, Alcoa Foundation.

Adrienne Selko

It’s no secret that manufacturers must leave no stone unturned when it comes to attracting young people in to the field.

Alcoa (IW 1000/198) understands this and through its program Manufacture Your Future, which is a collaboration with Discovery Education, is reaching out to middle and high school students.

What better way to attract the younger generation than using the tools that this generation lives by. The Manufacture Your Future LIVE Virtual Field Trip will occur at a high-tech aluminum manufacturing facility, which has produced lightweight metal and other materials for every American space vehicle, helping to make many milestones possible, including the first moon landing.

During the Virtual Field Trip, students will have the exclusive opportunity to tour Alcoa's Davenport facility to see how products for major aircrafts are manufactured, including the wings of Air Force One. The tour will also showcase the company's new revolutionary Auto Treatment Line, which enables mass production of aluminum for cars—a growing trend in reducing vehicle weight for increased fuel efficiency.

"According to The Manufacturing Institute, more than one in seven U.S. private sector jobs depend on the U.S. manufacturing base," said Esra Ozer, president, Alcoa Foundation. "We are thrilled to showcase several of these jobs, which are held by talented members of Alcoa's Davenport team -- a Metallurgical Engineer, Electrical Engineer and Process Specialist. Their passion and enthusiasm for their manufacturing careers will be inspiring for tomorrow's workforce."

In addition to the virtual field trip, Alcoa Foundation and Discovery Education Manufacture Your Future program provides middle and high school educators, guidance counselors, students and families with a comprehensive online site that includes hands-on resources to build excitement around post-secondary manufacturing career opportunities.

The program encourages the development of critical thinking skills through real-world application, offers dynamic standards-based, Science Technology Engineering and Math-focused lesson plans, career guides, family discussion starters and other online resources that provide insight into today's advanced manufacturing careers and highlight the crucial role that manufacturing plays in day-to-day life. Hope Street Group, The Manufacturing Institute, and SME Education Foundation provided expertise.

"Giving students the opportunity to look inside a facility makes manufacturing come to life," said Mark Case, teacher at Southern Guilford High School, Guilford County Schools, NC. "An event like this creates a stronger impression than getting the information from a textbook. Students can see how information we provide in the classroom translates into a career path."

Check out IndustryWeek's complete coverage of Manufacturing Day 2014.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.