Manufacturing plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the United States, driving innovation, and providing lucrative career opportunities – but like so many other industries, it is projected to face significant personnel shortages in the next several years.
To respond to the growing issue, MSC Industrial Supply partnered with other organizations in East Tennessee – The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory – to host the first Manufacturing Day of its kind in our area.
865 Academies students from Karns High School in the Automotive; Coding; Computer Science; Fire Science; Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems (MEPS); Structural Systems; and Welding pathways attended the event at the MSC Machining Research Laboratory to have a first-hand look at the cutting-edge technologies under development and experience hands-on metalworking demonstrations.
“Manufacturing typically loses out to things like computer programming, 3D printing, or robotics, and people don’t realize that all of those are manufacturing technologies,” said Senior Innovation R&D Engineer Michael Gomez. “This is a really unique way for us to show kids what manufacturing looks like and then hopefully get some of them excited and interested in it, especially if they’re interested in going to college or a community college.”
During one demonstration, a machining expert took a chunk of medal and showed the steps it takes to turn it into a hinge for an airplane door.
“You might not understand the word ‘manufacturing,’ but you’re probably interested in jets and planes and these types of things. We showed how these things are made,” Gomez said.
It’s partnerships like these that make the 865 Academies initiative so unique for the students in Knox County. We are preparing the next generation of manufacturers, researchers, and innovators through career-themed pathways for students to earn industry certifications and participate in internships by leveraging the world-class organizations right here in our backyard.
MSC provides valuable experiences through internships for students interested in manufacturing that offers a look into research and development in a laboratory environment.
Be on the lookout for more from MSC. Gomez said they will continue to support the 865 Academies through hosting Manufacturing Day events and providing lab internships, but he also hopes they will expand their outreach to more schools and include even more partners to build excitement for the field.
Interested in learning more about how your organization can be an 865 Academies partner? Visit knoxschools.org/academies for details.