Youth Programs

Engaging students and educating them about the opportunities in manufacturing is where creating tomorrow's manufacturing sector workforce begins.

Our programs tap into our member network to bring companies into schools—and schools into companies. This provides a work-based learning experience for students and prepares them for life after graduation. Additionally, it allows companies to directly develop their future workforces. Our youth services include:

  • Customized paid internships: Our internship program includes learning objectives, onsite observations, and career coaching. Internships are launched in three cohorts—fall semester, spring semester, and summer. Internships are customized to meet the needs of the students and companies.
  • Job shadows: Job shadows are short-term, unpaid worksite experiences in which students spend up to two hours with an experienced worker to observe daily activities.
  • Plant tours: Plant tours provide the opportunity for students to see manufacturing in action.
  • Classroom presentations: Speakers conduct virtual, interactive career-related presentations to students to discuss what it's like to work in their industries, and talk about career-specific educational requirements and their own career paths.
  • Resumé development: Students can use one of our templates, linked below, to develop their resumés for job shadows, internships, and permanent employment opportunities. The Manufacturing Works Youth team guides the students through the process.

“It makes sense for Melin Tool to pursue internships with students from the Max Hayes machining program. Three of our best, long-time employees are former interns and graduates of the program. Students come to us with a basic knowledge of working in a production environment like ours, and they have an eagerness to learn and contribute to our organizational goals. We bring them in with every intention of extending a job offer if the internship is successful. The school also instills organizational and soft skills that are so lacking in some candidates these days.”

ROB WISE

Operations Manager, Melin Tool Company, Inc.


Partners

For more information about Manufacturing Works' Youth Programs, contact Jessica Westropp, Senior Manager of Youth Workforce Development, via email or at 216.588.1444.

Encore Cleveland: Technical Corps Program

This initiative helps retirees use their time and talents to help young people develop manufacturing skills and prepare for employment.

Industry technicians who are retired or in transition assist in classrooms and support teachers with hands-on learning that prepares students for work experiences and industry certifications.

Technical Corp Members have experience in manufacturing, automotive, or building construction; serve up to 15 hours per week for an academic semester (16 weeks); and are compensated for their time.

Encore Cleveland is made possible by generous funding from The Cleveland Foundation.

Join Our Technical Corp Team

Learn more about how you can assist teachers and prepare students for work experiences and industry certifications in your area of expertise:

boy learning to use manufacturing equipment
girl learning about manufacturing at a workshop
boy learning to use equipment

START THE CONVERSATION

Contact Our Team About One of Our Workforce Programs Today

Contact us to learn more about the workforce development programs we offer students as well as skilled individuals.

Join the Manufacturing Works Apprenticeship Consortium
Beth Dawson
216.920.1963

Learn How Manufacturing Works Can Help with Your Hiring Needs
Adam Artman
216.588.1443.

Receive Information on Manufacturing Works' Youth Programs 
Jessica Westropp
216.588.1444

Interested in learning more about Manufacturing Works? Read about us or reach out today.

Contact Manufacturing Works