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TCC hosted its first-ever Manufacturing Day at the Northeast Campus, bringing dozens of Tulsa Public Schools students together on Oct. 3 and 4. Over the course of two days, students engaged in hands-on activities giving them valuable exposure to the practical skills needed in engineering and manufacturing careers.

The event, supported by the Strengthening Community Colleges grant, aimed to give students insight into these high-demand, well-paying fields.

Between 30 to 40 students per day cycled through three interactive modules designed to introduce them to key manufacturing concepts. Students learned how to solder circuit boards, build solar-powered cars and explore the principles of lean manufacturing and process improvement.

“The goal of Manufacturing Day is to show students early on what careers in engineering and manufacturing look like," said TCC Dean for the School of Mathematics and Engineering Technology Sheila Youngblood, Ph.D. "These industries are constantly evolving, and manufacturing today doesn’t look like what it did even ten years ago. New technology and innovative processes are creating exciting opportunities for the next generation.”

The event also introduced students to TCC’s Dual Credit Programs, with an emphasis on an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology. In addition to a work-ready degree, high school students can earn seven national manufacturing certifications over six semesters, positioning them to enter to the workforce immediately.

“By participating in TCC’s Dual Credit Programs, students have a unique opportunity to earn both college credit and industry-recognized certifications while still in high school," explained TCC Director of Dual Credit Programs Melissa Steadley. "This gives them a significant advantage, whether they choose to enter the workforce after graduating high school or continue their education.”

A indicates the U.S. manufacturing sector may need to fill about 3.8 million jobs over the next decade. The study reveals that around 65% of manufacturing employers consider attracting and retaining talent to be their biggest challenge.