Ellwood hosts manufacturing day for area students
‘Opportunities Available’
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On Wednesday, Ellwood National Crankshaft, Ellwood National Forge and Ellwood National Steel hosted more than 175 students and educators from the area for a Manufacturing Day event at the Ellwood complex in Irvine, Pennsylvania.
Manufacturing Week is celebrated nationally each year in October, highlighting the industry's role in educating students, inspiring the next generation of skilled workers and showcasing manufacturing opportunities.
Students visited the Irvine complex where they were given a hands-on look at the manufacturing industry and potential career paths. There were tours, a resource fair and interactive learning stations.
Quyrus Epps, director of team member relations with Ellwood Group said, "We like to welcome them out here and give them opportunities they don’t always get inside their schools, whether it’s asking professionals questions, learning hands-on or getting a better understanding of the employment opportunities available in the manufacturing industry."
Jillian Steffan, Human Resource Manager Ellwood National Crankshaft division has organized the event for three years since her position began. Offering students the chance to see first-hand what is done and what is made at the Irvine facility, Steffan said, "Right in the backyard of Warren County, instead of looking at opportunities in other places, it's bringing awareness of what is here."
Steffan said they work closely with all the schools in the area and that it has brought in young employees. Throughout the school year personal tours and presentations are offered to schools.
"Specifically at Ellwood National Crankshaft, we do a co-op program," said Steffan, "We bring in students from all different areas, offering on the job training and at the end of the school year offers are made with a sign on day."
Steffan's main goal for the event is to bring awareness to students who could become potential employees. The company has nearly 150 crankshaft employees, 60 steel employees and close to 200 working in the forge division.
Hoping the annual manufacturing day event continues to grow, Steffan enjoys providing the students the opportunity to know about one of the leading employers in the area. "This year is the first year that we put on the safety simulator, we added the laser engraver and the Q&A board. We had a live demonstration of laser engraving, a virtual reality crane operator simulator, and were also able to raffle a free 3D printer to a student participant. Each year we strive to expand upon what we show our local students."
Students were on site for several hours and were given a questionnaire to find out which manufacturing role would fit them best, whether it was industrial maintenance technician, machine operator, safety specialist, administrator or engineer. Upon answering the questions for themselves, a possible career path and how to get there was revealed.