This year's ThinkMFG Career Expo will be held on October 1st 10am to 1pm but the deadline to sign up is in September!
Come help us show high school seniors the importance of manufacturing and the rewarding careers the industry can provide! Click here to sign up for a manufacturing booth or visit thinkmfgexpo.com for more information.
FAQs:
Q. What's new with the Expo this year?
A.Sessions for students include mock interviewing, a panel presentation by young professionals in the field, soft skills needed to get a job, and presentations that focus on some of the most demanding needs in Lake County: welding, CNC, assembly and industrial maintenance. We will show students that 'manufacturing' isn't just one thing, and requires soft skills and technical skills. Additionally, there will be many opportunities to connect with 600 students who are ready to work or preparing for a career in manufacturing.
Q. Will this actually help me get employees?
A. It can, for both the short-term and the long-term.
Short-term: Table in the expo area where students can sign up to be contacted by manufacturers for job opportunities. Additionally, any manufacturing sponsor is encouraged to share your "career opportunities" website or about page with Expo organizers - we will like on the ThinkMFGExpo.com page.
Long-term: meeting students who are still deciding their career path may help them with a more favorable view of a manufacturing career and will be more likely to work with you a few years down the line - than if you hadn't met with them! Also be sure to talk with the teachers and educators so that they are aware of opportunities with your place!
Q. Where will it be held?
A. We rotate around the county so different high schools can host - we are at Mentor High School (and its business center, Paradigm) this year!
Q. When is it?
A. Thursday, October 4th - the day before National Manufacturing Day! #MFGDAY2018 Setup is at 8 am.
Q. What kinds of students attend the expo?
A. Some attendees will be skilled and ready to work - some will be younger, or not sure of their career path yet. Students from iSTEM or the School of Innovation may be younger, but are very interested in learning.
Some will be enrolled in technical programs. Altogether, almost 600 students attended the expo in 2017 and we anticipate similar numbers this year.
Q. What is the Expo?
A. Part career fair, part trade show, and part interactive sessions about the manufacturing field in general. Manufacturers showcase their products and career paths to attendees. Students/attendees also attend breakout sessions from HR and Young Professsionals to learn how to get a job in mfg and why they should consider it.
The Expo is produced by the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and us - AWT - to help our members encourage the next generation of manufacturers. With any additional questions or feedback, feel free to contact Alice Cable or Roger Sustar with AWT- or Karen Tercek, president of the WWLCC, who is the event lead.
