More than 600 students in Pleasantville recently had the chance to learn about and experience modern manufacturing – firsthand – as part of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program’s (NJMEP) new Future Makers and Creators Tour.

The initiative, which is supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), offers Jersey schools and students the unique opportunity to learn about the manufacturing industry, while giving local manufacturing businesses the chance to connect and engage directly with the potential future workforce.

The tour kicked off last week, as 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th graders, along with school administrators and faculty, flocked to Pleasantville High School’s auditorium. There, NJMEP officials, industry leaders, partners and local South Jersey manufacturers, such as Edmund Optics and Bellview Winery, showcased advanced manufacturing technologies and careers as well as talked to students, offering a window into what an advanced manufacturing pathway can provide.

In addition to prizes and giveaways, the attendees had the opportunity to get hands-on with advanced manufacturing training tools and technologies. That included competing to get best welds on the Augmented Reality ARC Welding machine and learning how to program and use a HAAS PLC powered Desktop Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) mill – while 3D printers made Geary Mascots, one of the giveaways, right onsite.

“Connecting with students who have yet to make up their minds about a career path is invaluable when showing the real value the manufacturing industry has to offer them and their families,” said NJMEP Chief Executive Officer Peter Connolly. “The first stop on the Future Makers and Creators Tour proved that young students are interested and can be incredibly engaged when learning about this field that’s so vital to our way of life and our nation. Seeing these students smile and watching their eyes be opened to advanced manufacturing as they tried their hand at Augmented Reality welding, experienced 3D Printing in action, and connected directly with local manufacturers was beyond amazing.”

During this tour, Connolly said NJMEP plans to visit at least 21 schools in every county throughout the Garden State. He thanked the NJEDA for it support of this initiative.

“Manufacturing can be your ticket to financial and personal freedom,” Andy Kuhn, senior project officer at the NJEDA, told the audience. “There are opportunities in manufacturing right here in your backyard, and we put together this program because we want students of all ages to understand the opportunities available to them in their communities.”

Larry Banks, manager of pro-action education network & workforce development at NJMEP, said that manufacturers who participate in the tour will have the opportunity to inspire and attract the next generation of industry professionals.

“Schools that take part in the tour will have the opportunity to engage directly with these manufacturers who can provide their insights and real-world experience regarding alternative career paths in advanced manufacturing,” said Banks.

Connolly believes that the Future Makers and Creators Tour will have a long-lasting impact on the manufacturing industry. “Without this kind of action, the industry will not have a passionate workforce to connect with as manufacturing continues to grow in New Jersey,” he said.

More information on the tour and how to get involved can be found here.