Manufacturing is alive and well in Central Illinois. While many companies are still rebounding from the economic downturn, we have seen an increased demand and business is returning to pre-recession levels. This means local factories are humming again. Unfortunately we are in need of skilled workers to fill the jobs at those factories. We can’t wait for the government or the educational system to solve this problem, that’s why we have created a program that will help to deliver the workforce we need.

The 3rd annual Discovering Manufacturing Career Expo is happening on October 26th. This event is designed to showcase the modern career in manufacturing. This event has grown from less than 100 students attending in 2009 to nearly 700 high school students from 24 schools attending this year.

The participants will tour and get hands-on demonstrations at local manufacturing companies in the morning (9-10:30a), then attend a mini-trade expo (11a-1:30p) with speakers and a panel of young manufacturing workers at the Peoria civic Center Ballroom in the afternoon. This will allow them to see and hear firsthand what the jobs in this industry are like and break down the stereotype that manufacturing jobs are dead-end, dirty, unsophisticated employment paths. We want to show them what a great career they could find in the manufacturing industry.

The event is hosted by the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois’ (EDC) specialized manufacturing strategy group which is made up of local manufacturing companies, educational institutions and business resource organizations.