Listen to this article

Students around the state are getting a first-hand look at the modern manufacturing industry as part of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program‘s Future Makers and Creators Tour. The tour, which is supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, showcases advanced manufacturing technologies and careers for students – with local manufacturers onsite to offer insight into their specific industry and potential career opportunities.

To give students a hands-on experience, the event features a variety of tools and machines, such as the Augmented Reality ARC Welding machine, a HAAS PLC powered Desktop Computerized Numerical Control mill, 3D printers and more.

The initiative comes amid a push for to expand New Jersey’s manufacturing footprint while developing the sector’s next-generation workforce.

“Since Gov. Phil Murphy took office, he has been committed to growing New Jersey’s manufacturing industry, leading to 6,000 new jobs in the sector since 2018,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan told NJBIZ. “Through the Makers and Creators Tour, the NJMEP is continuing to bolster manufacturing in the state by connecting local companies with the next generation of New Jersey workers. By providing students with these hands-on opportunities, we are preparing them to join one of the most exciting and fastest-growing workforces within the state.”

In December, the tour kicked off at Pleasantville Public Schools with more than 600 students in attendance. “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 in December when the tour launched. “We will be visiting at least 21 schools in every county throughout New Jersey during this tour – all impossible without support from the NJEDA.”

“Manufacturers who participate in The Future Makers & Creators Tour will have the opportunity to inspire and attract the next generation of manufacturing professionals,” said Larry Banks, manager of NJMEP’s Pro-Action Education Network & Workforce Development team. “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.”

The most recent tour stop was April 25 at Piscataway High School, hosted by Piscataway Township Schools’ Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The event marked the latest example of the school district enhancing and expanding opportunities for non-college-bound learners.

Another recent effort was the annual “What’s Next” held in December at Piscataway High School. The career-fair-style event for juniors and seniors who do not plan to attend a four-year college features representatives from trade schools, industry, government, trade unions, military branches, vocational programs, civil service and small business.

Choosing a career path

Piscataway Superintendent Frank Ranelli said the district’s efforts to expand opportunities for these students are critical to meet the needs of a significant portion of the student population.

“We did this not only through changes in our curriculum offerings, but in changes in attitudes and the way our teachers and counselors speak to students about their choices after graduations,” said Ranelli. “We did not want students to feel like a career or trade school was somehow a lesser option.”

That sentiment was evident during the Makers & Creators stop in Piscataway.

Dr. Alex Gray, director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Piscataway Township Schools, described it as an excellent event and day for the school district. “I graduated from this school. I’ve been in this district my entire career – 24 years,” Gray told NJBIZ. “What I loved growing up about being a student was just the hands-on experiences – the field trips and learning opportunities that were nontraditional. And with this testing generation that we are in now, we’ve kind of gotten away from this type of thing – where we have to be in the classroom always focused on testing and things like that.”

Gray stressed that these types of experiences present opportunities for students to really see what is out there. “We can talk about it. We can tell them about it – have them read about it,” said Gray. “Let them try it out and say – ‘I’m thinking about this but what does it really mean?’ And they are learning what it means to weld or what it means to do computer-aided design in a hands-on way.”

Students also got to see the reality of modern manufacturing and reduce some of the stigma attached to the sector. “You need a high level of intellect to do a lot of these jobs and it may not require a college degree,” said Gray. “But doesn’t mean that it’s not meaningful. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t require thinking and learning and processing. And some of our students may not want to go to college. Or they may want to go to college, but still pursue one of these areas.”

Gray reaffirmed how important it is to show students these alternative options and career paths – and the district’s efforts reflect that.

“We want it to be something that we’re purposeful about,” he explained, dispelling any notion that only students heading to college are the main focus. “All of our students are a priority. Those that are going to college are a priority. Those who may not want to go to college – they are a priority as well,” Gray continued. “And these opportunities let them know that they are a priority. And their goals and their plans are just as important as our students who are planning to go to a college. So, hopefully they get that from this experience and also leave here saying – ‘wow, I didn’t think about this career but now I am.’”

Creating excitement

As for what he hoped the students would take from the day, Gray stressed again for them to see that they are important and valued. “Regardless of what their career goals or aspirations are, we value them and we want to help springboard them into a solid career,” said Gray. “And hopefully they’ll leave here with some ideas, with some interest, and some excitement about the possibilities for the future.”

Gray said the excitement and engagement from the students was genuine. And he noted that the collaboration with the NJMEP on the event was excellent. “This is our first time partnering with them,” said Gray. “But this will not be the last. We’re looking to build and grow. This is just the launching point. And so, we’re excited about this partnership. We want to continue to grow it in the years to come.”

“We want to expose as many folks as we can to the manufacturing space and supply chain industry,” Banks told NJBIZ. “In order to do that – the manufacturing word has a dirty connotation around it always. We want to change that.”

Banks compared the tour to the old-school book fairs. “Let’s take the books out and let’s replace it with manufacturing concepts,” Banks explained. “Let’s make it a fun environment. Let’s have kids walk around and experience what it’s like to work in that ‘dirty’ environment. And then now that you find a little bit of joy; you find out all the magic that can happen in it – you might want to become something in that realm. And once you get a position, it’s not stopping there.”

He noted the vast career growth opportunities, which is why it is vital to shed that negative stigma in the eyes of the next generation workforce while making them aware of what is possible.

That, Banks says, is a long, high-paying, family-sustaining career. “And then now what we’re doing to just make it add-on, we’re bringing companies that are in the local areas so that they might be able to find a potential summer employee or even a future employee when they graduate,” said Banks. “So, we’re trying to connect industry with exposure, with the education system. And why not do it in a fun way where it’s like a fair?”

Hands-on experience … and giveaways

Some of the most popular aspects included getting to use the welding machines as well as great prizes and giveaways like The Future Makers & Creators Tour T-shirt and a 3D printed Geary Mascot.

As for what’s on tap for the tour – Banks said continued growth.

“We’re going to 21 high schools, 21 counties the next few years,” said Banks. “Every school district is different, so every single one will look different – the amount of students. But all of that stuff changes based on the demographics; the companies change based on the area. So, it’s a new moving target every school that we are going to.”

Banks said the buzz is growing. “It’s going to get bigger and bigger and grow and grow. And as we keep doing that, we get more kids and families involved,” said Banks – all aimed at addressing the industry’s workforce shortage challenges and raising awareness while opening new career pathways. “For us, we aren’t stopping here because we know we also have to get younger. You have to plant the seed and have that grow.”

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