The first ever Seneca County Manufacturing Showcase was held at Heidelberg University today, giving 750 high-school students from 12 schools a chance to explore different skills valued in the workplace, specifically in manufacturing. Fourteen local manufacturers led students through six different skill sets. The kids learned about team building, lean practices, employability, supply chain, machine trades and electrical trades/mechanical engineering/automation through interactive booths staffed by local companies. Spearheading the coordination of the event was Carol Kern of the Seneca Department of Job and Family Services. Kern was pleased with the outcome of the event,"It's exciting to see the students so engaged," she said. "Hopefully they enjoyed the activities and learned a lot about career opportunities in Seneca County." Chase Eikenbary of Regional Growth Partnership/JobsOhio stressed the importance of introducing students to career skills early. "October is manufacturing month in Ohio, and it means great things for not only the manufacturing companies in the state but for the pipeline of our future workforce; our students," she said. "Manufacturing careers are in high demand, provide excellent salaries, and allow employees to work in a high tech, growing industry. Students today were shown how they can become successful adults in their own communities with thriving career options." Fostoria Economic Development Corporation President Renee Smith agreed. "Manufacturing is a huge economic component of Seneca County, and it is the largest employer. It is essential that we continue to expose students to the career possibilities with our local companies," she said. Nearly 100 volunteers, including teachers from participating school districts, guided students through the planned activities. Tiffin City Schools Business Teacher Stacey Geiger said the event was rewarding as an educator. "It is exciting to see students engaged with Seneca County employers and using the knowledge that I incorporate in my classrooms," she said. Carl Pastorella, Human Resources Manager at Toledo Molding and Die, Inc. manning a booth centered around employability, was impressed with the students' enthusiasm and knowledge. "The students we met got very involved in the activities we were presenting," he said. "Our intent is to make sure they are prepared to get out and interview for jobs in future, and they already seem to be on the right track." Seneca County is also fortunate to have great relationships with state officials who are passionate about workforce development and how it pertains to our young people. State Representative Bill Reineke, a Fostoria native and Tiffin resident, spoke to the students about the importance of manufacturing and their local community: https://youtu.be/VurieWg3K9w Ryan Burgess, Director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, also addressed the students, introducing them to Ohio Means Jobs and the tools the program provides for job seekers: https://youtu.be/IP1UxqKD0Aw Check out some of the pictures from the event: [gallery ids="https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_090620.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_090602.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_094707.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_094735.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_094712.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_094756.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_094808.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_094855.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_095707.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_120103.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_094815.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_0948551.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_100952.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_120655.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_122252.jpg|,https://tiffinseneca.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161014_122706.jpg|" type="slideshow" orderby="rand"]