A strong manufacturing industry depends on more than advanced equipment and innovative technology. It depends on people. Investing in workforce development opportunities like ITAC’s Advanced Manufacturing Camp supports the future of our industry and the communities we serve.
Each summer, AdvanSix teammates join ITAC as mentors and coaches for rising high school students, providing a hands-on introduction to modern manufacturing and exposure to career pathways they may not have considered before. Through four immersive days of real-world team projects, students gain a better understanding of the skills, technology and collaboration that drive today’s manufacturing industry.
Learning by Doing
During this year’s program, students stepped into the role of manufacturers for a week. Working in teams, they designed and built functional clocks using AutoCAD, CNC engraving equipment, electrical wiring and assembly techniques. Along the way, they learned about workplace safety, engineering principles and the value of teamwork as they prepared presentations showcasing their finished products. The winning team earned $1,000 scholarships for each student, recognizing their technical achievement.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Programs like ITAC’s Advanced Manufacturing Camp help students see that manufacturing is far more than one career path. Whether their interests lie in engineering, automation, maintenance, machining, logistics, quality or skilled trades, modern manufacturing offers opportunities to solve problems, create innovative products and make a meaningful impact.
For manufacturers, supporting workforce development is about more than giving back. It’s about strengthening the talent pipeline, introducing students to rewarding careers and ensuring the industry has the skilled workforce it needs for years to come.