Baldwin Community Schools high school students participated in the 2023 Discovering Manufacturing event, touring the Reed City Group facility in Reed City.
Photo courtesy of LCEDABALDWIN — A group of 37 Baldwin High School students participated in the annual “Discovering Manufacturing” event recently, spending the day learning about the world of modern manufacturing, according to a news release from the Lake County Economic Development Alliance.
This year, through grant funding provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and administered by the LCEDA, Baldwin students visited Reed City Group, where they learned about career opportunities in machining, plastic processing, engineering and more, while touring the 80,000 square foot facility.
The program is offered annually through a partnership between Michigan Works! and local economic developers, schools and businesses, the release said.
Coordination of student participation was led by Reese Drilling of the Baldwin Promise and College Access Center.
“Touring Reed City Group contributed to ongoing efforts to expand student knowledge of the robust post-secondary career opportunities available to them throughout the region,” Drilling said in the release. “Thanks to our community partners and generous employers like Reed City Group, we look forward to providing Baldwin Community Schools students with continued exposure to a variety of sustainable career options.”
According to Mark Buss, Business Services Specialist for Michigan Works! West Central, the program is beneficial to both students and employers.
“Discover Manufacturing is an excellent way for students to experience a day in the life of what modern-day manufacturing is like, while also helping to generate interest in local manufacturing to create long-term talent pipeline management for local employers,” Buss said in the release. “Michigan Works! West Central is proud to support the annual Discover Manufacturing events in our six-county region.”
The release noted that Lake County students will be participating in “Discover Manufacturing” activities again in November 2023. Plans include showcasing a Lake County employer, as well as other regional opportunities for local students.
The mission of the LCEDA is t create a unified vision of promoting the county’s unique resources including historical, natural and cultural amenities that enhance the capacity of the local economy, the release said.
