An auditorium full of students, teachers, manufacturers and community leaders came together April 9 at Penn State Shenango to celebrate manufacturing – and the next generation who may shape its future.
The West Central District “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” student video contest, coordinated locally with help from the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC), is more than just an awards night. It’s a powerful proof point of LMMC’s mission to promote manufacturing careers to youth in Lawrence and Mercer counties.
Hands-On Career Exploration Through Student Video Contest
The initiative brought together seven middle and high schools paired with local manufacturers to research, interview and produce creative video content about what makes manufacturing cool. The contest culminated in an energy-packed ceremony where the real winners were career awareness and community partnership.
“This is what community looks like – when education, industry and economic development work together to inspire and inform our youth about real, local opportunities,” said Julie Michael Smith, coalition manager for LMMC and contest co-manager. “Events like this are critical to changing perceptions and building our workforce.”
Collaboration was at the heart of the event, with partners including West Central Job Partnership, Northwest Industrial Resource Center, Penn-Northwest Development Corporation and the Homegrown Initiative all contributing to the program’s success.
Manufacturing Careers Offer Innovation, Purpose and Local Opportunity
LMMC Board Vice President Chris Becker, who’s also the Vice President of G.W. Becker Crane in Hermitage, delivered a keynote message encouraging students to think beyond old stereotypes.
“Manufacturing today is automation, robotics and innovation,” Becker said. “If you’re creative, curious or hands-on, this industry has a place for you – and a future.”
Other LMMC members involved in the competition were Hall Industries, Wheatland Steel Processing and T. Bruce Sales.
Special congratulations to Lakeview Middle School and its partner manufacturer Hall Manufacturing Technologies for winning the “Outstanding Overall Program” award and advancing to Harrisburg for the state competition in May.
