To attract students to highly paid, in-demand manufacturing careers, Sierra College is collaborating with businesses, high schools, Placer County and local cities to celebrate Manufacturing Day on October 5 and throughout the month. Businesses across the nation are hosting Manufacturing Day (www.mfgday.org) events to promote manufacturing careers and manufacturing’s value to the U.S. economy.

Progressive Technology Inc. (www.prgtech.com), a Rocklin–based ceramics manufacturer that makes transparent Sapphire Orthodontic Braces and components for the Aerospace, Dental, Medical, Automotive, Laser, Electronics and Analytical equipment industries, will welcome Rocklin High School Engineering Support Technology students on a tour later in October.

According to Carol Rogers, Vice President, Progressive Technology Inc. is participating because students are unaware of the interesting work in product development and manufacturing. “Manufacturing today is a highly skilled, technical career where employees work on a variety of intriguing assignments throughout the day,” said Rogers. “We hope by offering tours, all students, especially girls, become aware that working in this industry can be very satisfying and well paid.”

Other local manufacturers are hosting similar tours:

October 3 – Sierra Pacific Industries hosts Colfax High School Project Lead The Way

October 18 – Harris & Bruno hosts Rocklin High School Engineering Support Technology program

November 5 – RobbJack Corp hosts Rocklin High School Engineering Support Technology program

November 28 – Harris & Bruno hosts Oakmont High School Design Tech IB program

Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Director, Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT), helped facilitate the tours. “Students are inspired when they see appealing work environments and hear about interesting projects from employees,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “Our goal is to give students a memorable experience that motivates them to pursue mechatronics, welding, engineering, or drafting and engineering support at Sierra College and acquire the skills needed to work for local manufacturers.”

“Local high schools are offering excellent career technical education courses where students are exposed to design, drafting and fabrication using industry 3D design software and manufacturing tools,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “The tours make manufacturers aware that students are earning welding industry certifications, making robotic projects, programming CNC equipment and producing amazing designs.”

Placer County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed October 5 as Manufacturers Day explained Dave Snyder, Economic Development Director. “There are approximately 270 manufacturers in Placer County, with an annual payroll of $547 million that employ more than 7,000 residents,” said Snyder. “The Placer County Economic Development Board is hosting the 2012 Manufacturer’s Forum on Tuesday, October 30 to bring together manufacturers and elected officials.” The City of Roseville, City of Auburn, City of Colfax and Town of Loomis have also proclaimed Oct 5 as Manufacturing Day.

The Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies serves manufacturers and technology companies with customized training & technical support; provides entrepreneurs with access to rapid prototyping and other manufacturing technologies; and supports career technical education programs in manufacturing & product development, engineering & design pathways at the high school and college level. Additional information is available at www.sierracollegetraining.com or contact Carol Pepper-Kittredge at 916-660-7801 or cpepper-kittredge@sierracollege.edu.