Manufacturing Companies & York County Students Connect through Events in October

York County Development Corporation (YCDC) has a history of supporting the manufacturing sector and their need to attract and develop talent. Each October, YCDC celebrates Nebraska Manufacturing Month by building connections between companies and students to create awareness and demonstrate potential career pathways. “Our goal is to broaden student knowledge on what it looks like to work in manufacturing, and the types of jobs that are available within the manufacturing industry,” said Emily Perry, YCDC Development Coordinator. “Most students don’t realize how high-tech manufacturing has become, or that you can start in production and move into other types of jobs like sales, marketing or human resources with additional training.”

“Money is another thing. Students rarely realize how well paid manufacturing jobs can be,” said Perry. “They may think that the only way to earn a good living is to go to college and that’s not true. Manufacturing can be a well-paying, lifelong career with good benefits.” Students interested in manufacturing jobs have the opportunity to learn about internships as well. In the past, internship programs have been initiated because of student interest. For example, after a YCDC Manufacturing Day tour in 2022, representatives from York Public Schools (YPS) spoke with a student who had attended who was interested in interning with Cyclonaire. Lisa Hurley, YCDC Executive Director, said, “Dana Schmid, a High School Counselor, helped to coordinate the internship and was very supportive of the process.”

All of the local school districts are supporting initiatives aimed at educating and connecting students to manufacturing careers. Three school districts are sending students on the Manufacturing Day tours on October 6th where they will visit Champion Home Builders, Cornerstone Building Brands, and Klute Steel. In addition, schools throughout York County and the southeast region will host industry representatives on October 3rd, 4th and 5th, who will present information on what their companies do and what it’s like to work for a manufacturing company, and the journey they took to get into their careers. “There is regional support for Manufacturing Week. Companies within York and our neighboring counties have signed up to speak with students, offering them a wider perspective of what the manufacturing industry is like,” said Perry. “We appreciate the collaboration with our EDC, company and educational partners,” added Hurley.

“It’s an exciting time to be in manufacturing,” said Hurley. “U.S. manufacturing is on the rise and York County can play a larger role in that. Our job is to pull back the curtain and show students how much is possible in this field.” This video by the NE Manufacturing Alliance highlights the cutting edge work being done within the manufacturing industry and is the type of awareness YCDC and partners hope to create in October. 

“Talent recruitment and development is one of YCDC’s top priorities. Working with our local manufacturing companies and educational partners we hope to inspire more students to consider staying in York County and building their career here,” said Hurley.