STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Some Door County businesses may have seemed a little busier on Thursday.
Hundreds of high school students learned about careers in manufacturing.
Inside Northeast Wisconsin Industries students gather around computerized machines. Door County Economic Development Corporation’s Korey Mallien says manufacturing and the area go hand-in-hand.
“Manufacturing represents our largest employment sector and contributes greatly to our gross domestic product. We have over 60 manufacturers in Door County,” said Korey Mallien, Door County Economic Development Corporation.
N.E.W. Industries makes custom products for the agriculture, transportation, defense and forestry industries. Manufacturing and Engineering Director Dave Moore says the company is looking to hire.
“We hope the kids realize there’s exciting, and good jobs here in Sturgeon Bay. We’re a high-tech manufacturer. We’re very advanced, and we have a lot of automation here at our facility. And we have a lot of opportunities for people, regardless of their current skill-set or education background,” said Dave Moore, N.E.W. Industries Manufacturing and Engineering Director.
Nearly 400 students from five area high schools toured 12 local businesses on Thursday. Officials say the event is specifically geared toward sophomores.
“I really liked it. It gave me a lot of opportunities to like see what I wanted to do. See what I wanted to do when I’m older,” said Megan Zimmer, Algoma High School Student.
“Figuring out your plans. I only have two years left. And I’m still worrying about college, and like my job in the future. Being what I want to be. I just don’t want to go down the wrong path,” said Daitton Paszcak, Algoma High School Student.
“It’s a great opportunity for them to get a taste of what manufacturing is, what’s being made, what careers are in it. And then, if they want to get involved with the youth apprenticeship, they’ve got that opportunity for their junior, senior years, which then can lead to employment right out of high school,” said Mallien.
The Door County manufacturing tours started in 2018.
Organizers say plans are already in-the-works for next year’s event.
