Lafayette Unveils Manufacturing Education Program
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski (photo courtesy of Greater Lafayette Commerce)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGreater Lafayette Commerce has unveiled a digital tool to educate K-12 students about careers in the manufacturing sector. The organization is partnering with West Lafayette-based Skyepack Inc. to develop and roll out the Manufacturing Month program.
GLC says the platform gives students the chance to explore future careers and get a head start on preparing for job opportunities. It includes interactive learning features such as videos, drag-and-drop activities, and practice quizzes to help students learn the fundamentals of manufacturing.
“These features are designed to hold students’ attention and increase the transfer of knowledge and skills in the manufacturing space,” said Eric Davis, chief executive officer of Skyepack. “It’s been wonderful working on this effort, and I really think it has the potential to help other communities needing to educate young people in support of their local manufacturers.”
Kara Webb, workforce development director for Greater Lafayette Commerce, says the idea for the program builds on the virtual Manufacturing Week program held last year due to the pandemic. Tippecanoe School Corp. Superintendent Scott Hanbeck says last year’s program provided benefits to teachers as well as students.
“Many of our community’s largest employers are manufacturers and we always want to support them,” said Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski. “I’ve seen how students’ eyes light up when they learn how high-tech today’s manufacturing environment can be. It may, indeed, be many students’ first exposure to all the different things happening in today’s manufacturing setting. I really think this virtual platform will help other communities wanting to support their local manufacturers.”
You can learn more about the Manufacturing Month program by clicking here.