Selecting a future career path can be a challenge. It can be an especially tough decision for a teenager in high school who is unsure about taking a more traditional route by pursuing a higher education or heading straight into the workforce.
To alleviate some of the stress faced by young people when making this type of decision, the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium offers multiple programs for youth to help them find their path. Let’s take a closer look at these offerings and explore how they could benefit your future.
What Does NAMC Offer Youth?
As part of the Youth Programs at NAMC, high school students are introduced to careers in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades through immersive, hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities.
Activities include field trips to manufacturing facilities, career expos, informational sessions with employers, job shadowing opportunities and virtual reality workshops to provide realistic insights into the industry. These programs aim to connect students with quality education and training to help them pursue rewarding and sustainable careers.
Programs & Activities
High school students have several opportunities to hear more about manufacturing job opportunities and how their skills and interests match with these careers.
Career Expos
Students have the opportunity to attend large expos, where they can learn about the diverse career opportunities in manufacturing and speak directly with industry professionals who can answer questions and offer insights into the field. They will be able to meet with professionals in various career paths within manufacturing.
Field Trips to Manufacturing Companies
In addition to career expos, students are presented with the opportunity to visit manufacturing facilities, where they can see firsthand the work being done and discover how their talents may be a good fit.
Lunch & Learn Events
Lunch and Learn events offer students the chance to reconnect with professionals in the field in a more relaxed setting, often at their own school.
School Career Fairs
As high schoolers learn more about the educational and experiential opportunities available, these on-site fairs provide them with another chance to ask questions and speak with professionals who can offer a clearer understanding of what a specific position in the manufacturing field entails.
Virtual Reality Workshops
Take a step into the world of manufacturing without ever entering a facility. This immersive experience allows students to “see” what the manufacturing world is all about.
ICP and CTE Advisory Boards
Students also have the opportunity to meet with Career and Technical Education (CTE) boards to learn more about their field of interest.
Many teens and high school students lack a thorough understanding of the manufacturing field and benefit from hearing directly from industry professionals, both through visits to manufacturing facilities and ongoing conversations. To learn more about our Youth Programs at NAMC, please visit our Youth Program pages.