29 October Talent Tours Celebrate Manufacturing Day
29 NE MI Talent Tours Held Throughout October in Recognition of Manufacturing Day
10/3 – Weyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser’s Grayling OSB plant welcomed 24 Grayling High students and one instructor on a plant tour October 3, 2019. Weyerhaeuser has very high safety standards which required students to view a 30-minute safety presentation and video, followed by putting on all the required safety items. Shift Supervisors guided small groups of students throughout the plant, and touched on the many different jobs and careers at Weyerhaeuser. A big emphasis was placed on apprenticeship opportunities and the education reimbursement program the company offers to employees. As with all their student tours, Weyerhaeuser staff spoke about the importance of good soft skills and work ethics which are the basics they look for in new employees. Because Weyerhaeuser runs with leaderless shifts, teamwork and good communication are essential in smooth operations. Weyerhaeuser is big supporter of student events and programs in career exploration and job readiness. The company hosts year round student tours, and participates in cross county MiCareerQuest events and high school/college Career Days.
10/4 – Ossineke Industries, Ossineke
Forty-six students (42 from Alpena, 4 from Hillman) from CTE-based courses offered by Alpena Public Schools toured Ossineke Industries for Manufacturing Day. The tours included an in-depth look at the machinery and a presentation about the history and goals of the company. After a presentation, which included safety instructions, students toured the plant and had a chance to handle raw materials and finished products. They also were able to see the machines in action and ask questions about the procedures in real time. Michigan Works! discussed the education requirements needed for many of the positions at the plant, while Ossineke Industries wages and “how to work your way up” was discussed by Ossineke Industries management. Students left the tours excited about manufacturing. Educators who attended felt the experience was invaluable. They look forward to bringing more students and getting them excited about careers in manufacturing as well.
10/4 – Arauco
Arauco held the company’s first student tour since being in full production earlier this year. Two teachers and 29 students from Mio visited the site in recognition of Manufacturing Day 2019. Students started out by watching a video about the company, and a staff presentation about safety standards in and around the mill. Prior to the tour, students prepped with safety gear. They were broken into 5 groups led by high level supervisors for their tours.
Students were exposed to several areas in the plant including the dryer, glue station, saw press, laminator, and others. Arauco staff ended the tour with a pizza party and wrap up questions with the tour guides and an HR staff member. They spoke about the skills needed to perform the jobs at Arauco, and the training curriculum they helped develop at Kirtland’s new Wood Products Institute. Students enjoyed the tour and enjoyed watching from their bus as a truck off-loaded its haul by being lifted into the air.
10/4 – Mayfair Plastics, Gaylord
Mayfair Plastics held their first ever Talent Tour on October 4, 2019 in honor of Manufacturing Day. The tour was attended by 24 Gaylord High School Students (dual enrolled at MTEC). During the tour, students were able to do some hands-on activities, such as using a tool with the dry ice machine, x-raying items (such as a student’s phone), and handling the 3-D products that the company manufactures. In addition, the employer discussed what kind of educational requirements are needed for various positions at the plant. Students enjoyed seeing the career opportunities available and learning more about the company.
10/4 – Metalfab Manufacturing
Twenty-five students and two staff members from Fairview Schools toured Metalfab Manufacturing on October 4, 2019. The students learned about tube fabricating from Kyle Yoder, Controller. The company participates in several other student engagement events including mock interviews and career days, both held at the local schools. Every October Metalfab hosts Talent Tours in recognition of manufacturing month, and holds public events to bring awareness to the manufacturing industry.
10/4 – Weyerhaeuser
In recognition of Manufacturing Day, Weyerhaeuser’s Grayling OSB plant held a 90 minute student tour on October 4, 2019 with one teacher and 20 students from Charleton Heston Academy in St. Helen. The tour began with a 30-minute safety presentation and video, followed by putting on all the required safety items. Students were broken into small groups each guided by a department team leader. Students learned about the high skilled, high tech jobs at Weyerhaeuser, including Machine Maintenance Operators, Electrical Technicians, Multi-Craft Technicians – just to name a few of the many. They also learned about the apprenticeship programs available at Weyerhaeuser, and soft skills the company is looking for– good communication, dependability, ability to get along with others and good work ethics. The tour guides spoke about PLC and the term Programmable Logic Controller, used to run their machines. Weyerhauser is big supporter of student tours and student work experience opportunities. They are continually looking for ways to expose young talent to their facility, and to the manufacturing industry.
In addition, 25 students from Gaylord’s MTEC attended a second Tour at the plant the same day. The 90 minute tour included a safety presentation and video, tours of the departments, and post tour discussions regarding available jobs, education requirements, and more.
10/4 – Cooper Standard, Gaylord
Thirteen students from Gaylord St. Mary’s attended a Manufacturing Day Talent Tour at Cooper Standard in Gaylord. Students were able to work hands-on with a rubber extrusion machine and handle materials from starting product to end product. The employer spoke with students about the education requirements for a variety of their positions and also distributed Kirtland Community College brochures regarding Industrial Trades. Students were surprised to learn how many steps went into making some of the smallest parts, how important safety was at the plant, as well as how many different employment positions were at the plant.
10/4 – Cooper Standard, Gaylord
Ten students from Johannesburg High School toured Cooper Standard in Gaylord on Manufacturing Day. Students were able to work hands-on with the rubber extrusion machine. The employer also covered the educational requirements for various positions within the company and gave out Kirtland Community College brochures on Electrical Technology, Welding/Fabrication, CNC, and Mechatronics. The students reported they really liked the tour, but would have liked more hands-on activities. Students were also surprised how much of a focus safety played at the plant.
10/4 – Cooper Standard, Fairview
Cooper Standard welcomed 17 students and two staff from Fairview Schools for Manufacturing Day. Cooper-Standard Automotive is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers that specializes in the manufacture and marketing of systems and components for the automotive industry. The company has supported Manufacturing Day for several years and continually works with the local schools to bring awareness of the skills needed at their facility for entry level, and high skilled jobs. Students had the opportunity to see the plant running in full operations, learn about the robotics used in manufacturing, and speak with employees about their individual jobs being performed.
10/4 – M10 Industries
M-10 Industries opened their doors to 25 Fairview Schools students, and one teacher. The company specializes in building custom tube and wire forming machines and students got to see machines bending tube to specific dimensions per customer orders. They saw newly built machines and what it takes to build them including skills and manpower. They learned of entry level positions, and areas to advance to within the company. Some of those jobs included Supervisory and Sales. The company is a small family owned business in Mio and they are new to hosting student tours. Owner AJ Yoder likes the idea of bringing students onsite to spark interest in manufacturing and to help answer any questions about the industry. More tours are on the horizon.
10/7 – HB Carbide, Lewiston
Twenty-four Atlanta Schools students and nine Hillman students toured HB Carbide in Lewiston for Manufacturing Day. The two Talent Tours were offered at the same time, due to the small number of Hillman students. Students were able to touch the CNC buttons to make products and handle finished products. The employer and Kirtland Community College discussed with students the education requirements for the various positions and local educational programs available. The students really enjoyed learning how tools were made.
10/7 – HB Carbide, Lewiston
Nineteen students from Johannesburg Schools toured HB Carbide for Manufacturing Day. Students were able to touch the CNC buttons to make products and handle finished products. The employer and Kirtland Community College discussed with students the education requirements for the various positions and local educational programs available. The students said the tour was very interesting and wished it was longer. Many mentioned how surprised they were by how expensive the machines were, how much electricity they used, and by the amount of products in their life that are affected by HB Carbide’s work.
10/8 – Carmeuse Lime & Stone
Seventy-five students from Onaway, Cheboygan, Inland Lakes, and Rogers City schools toured Carmeuse Lime & Stone in recognition of Manufacturing Day 2019. Students were able to tour the different part of the quarry and learn about the different career paths for working at Carmeuse that are available in Northeast Michigan. Some careers discussed included: Electricians, Pipefitters, Heavy Equipment Operators, Laborers, Welders, etc. During the tour, students were able to handle and use equipment, working with the proper safety equipment and trained employee guidance. Hands-on activities included connecting pipes with wrenches and sealant, then testing the connections with air hydraulics. Students were also able to solder pipe with a blowtorch and weld flat sheets. The students could suit up in electrician’s gloves and face mask to use their current sensor, use wire snips to clamp large cables together, or even ride in the heavy equipment. Employees showed the students the safety and service of their conveyors with a smaller version, and explained what they look for and how to fix issues if it was to stop, get stuck or alarms are sounded.
Most employees with Carmeuse have been with the company for 15+ years, but with the skilled trade population aging, Carmeuse stressed the need for new, younger workers and the option of trade schools or on-the-job training versus 4-year university degrees. They explained that the skills needed are evolving with the equipment and all current employees get continuous education to keep up with the changes. Presenters stressed the opportunities to grow with the company and that employees are encouraged to learn new positions and skills. A teacher from the tour stated, “This was a great opportunity for students to see what positions and career paths are available locally.” Students were excited and fascinated with everything Carmeuse does and really enjoyed all the hands-on activities. Feedback included, “the electrical gloves were so heavy it was hard for me to grip things” and “the heavy equipment was so huge; I got to ride in it and really wanted to drive it!”
10/15 – Airway Automation
Twenty eight students and two teachers (Atlanta/Hillman Schools) participated in a Talent Tour at Air Way Automation on October 15, 2019. The students were divided into two groups and toured both Grayling site plants. Air Way Automation builds reliable automotive parts feeding systems and has been in business since 1975. The company uses robots and high tech PLC machines to cut metal which was demonstrated during the tour. Students were able to see plenty of action during their tour with multiple machines running. Tour leads Nate Mead and Todd Bidwell explained the in demand skills Air Way is looking for in new hires, and the many opportunities at their facility, from entry level jobs to high level careers. They both spoke of several students who have been, and who are currently in their internship program. Students are able to work while still in high school. A 2018 Grayling High graduate who was an intern, is now working at Air Way full time with the company paying for his college education. He spoke to the students on his plans to remain at Air Way and grow with the company. The tour was well received by the students and they asked some great questions about robotics and during the parts feeding machine demonstration.
10/15 – Monarch Millwork
Twenty-eight students from Atlanta/Hillman Schools seemed to really enjoy their tour at Monarch Millwork in Grayling on October 15, 2019. Monarch Millwork operates in the hardwood veneer and plywood manufacturing industry. Their sister company, Michigan Wood Pellet is a solid fuels specialist and one-stop-shop for all heating needs, and offers everything from grills to stoves and boilers to coal and pellets. During the tour, students walked through the plant and saw their massive forklift hauling pallets of wood and the lumber stacked in the drying warehouse. Machines were running, cutting boards and being sorted by length. Boards were lined up on the Lumber Grade conveyor waiting for inspection.
Logistics, Marketing, HR, QC, and Sales Manager, Seth Reichard was very engaged with the students and he talked about some of the high paying careers at his company including certified Lumber Graders – one of the most important jobs in the company. He explained sought after skills he looks for most in new employees; reliability, attention to detail, and motivation and drive. The students spent time observing employees hand feeding lumber into machines that cut the boards to specific lengths, then fed down a conveyer belt to be sorted in bins through automation. The moulder machine was a hit with the students, learning how powerful it is, and how it is the most dangerous machine in the company with only very qualified, trained staff working on it. The company recently brought on a new high school student intern who is working part-time around his school schedule. He will be offered full time employment with benefits upon completion of high school.
10/17 – Arauco & Kirtland Community College Wood Products Institute
Grayling High School was the second school to tour Arauco’s new Grayling particle board plant since opening earlier this year. On October 17, 2019, 22 students and two school staff spent nearly two hours at the site learning about the company and touring their massive plant. Arauco manufactures a wide range of sustainable forest product solutions, including the industry’s most-comprehensive selection of composite panels, premium plywood, millwork, bioenergy, lumber and wood pulp. During their tour, students learned the high tech careers the company offers, and their registered DOL apprenticeship programs. Tour guides explained the skills needed for entry level positions, and higher up positions. They also spoke about the training curriculums at the local college that tie in to skill sets Arauco is looking for. Students asked plenty of questions pertaining to the machinery and operations. Arauco was very instrumental in the building and curriculum planning of Kirtland’s new Wood Products Institute.
After the Arauco tour, the Grayling students went on a second Talent Tour, visiting the Kirtland Community College Wood Products Institute and Welding Training Lab. The students who attended are enrolled in one of the school’s career tech programs. Students learned about the curriculums built around the wood manufacturing industry, and were given a presentation on all programs Kirtland has to offer. They also learned about dual enrollment opportunities for a variety of programs. Following their tour, students were treated to lunch and giveaways. The students on the tour were 11th and 12th graders. More Kirtland tours are being scheduled with Mio Schools, and Fairview Schools in the coming months.
10/18 – Monarch Millwork
Five youth students from the Shawono Center in Grayling toured Monarch Millwork on October 18, 2019. Along for the tour were two Shawono staff members and one staff from the Disability Network. Seth Reichard, Logistics, Marketing, HR, QC, and Sales Manager walked the students through the plant and talked about the jobs available to everyone, including individuals with a criminal past. The company has brought on several employees through the Offender Success Program, and some have even been promoted to higher positions at Monarch Millwork and are doing very well, which Seth shared with the students. Seth stressed the most desired attributes he looks for in new employees: Motivation, Dependability and Attention to Detail. In addition to plant operations at Monarch, students learned about Monarch’s parent company, Michigan Wood Pellet. The company uses scrap wood to manufacture wood pellets to burn in heating stoves.
Monarch supports Talent Tours and are always willing to participate in opportunities that expose young talent to jobs and careers in manufacturing, or talking about soft skills necessary to be successful. The Shawono youth who attended the tour were very interested in the operations at Monarch Millwork and according to Seth, “The students were a pleasure to have onsite. They asked a lot of questions, and were really into the tour.”
10/22 – Tube Fab / Roman Engineering
Thirteen students and one teacher from Rogers City School participated in a Talent Tour at Tube Fab/Roman Engineering on October 22, 2019. The students were divided into two groups and toured the site. Students were able to see machines in the process of cutting the tubes, and employees executing their job duties. During the tour, students got to see that Tube Fab does more than just bend tubes…they also make many of the machines in-house that bend the tubes. Tour lead Eric Wallace and Brandi Shelda explained the in demand job skills that Tube Fab is looking for new hires, and many opportunities at their facility. Brandi also explained the benefits that the company offers, i.e. paid vacation, holidays off, four day working weeks, family/friends lunches. The tour was well received by the students and all that attended would attend another Talent Tour. Many students reported that they wish the tour was longer and had gone more in-depth, perhaps with interactive portions. The tool room was a student favorite, with many students surprised to learn that you have to write code for many of the machines.
Tube Fab/Roman Engineering was established in 1970, utilizes its 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility to provide a wide variety of manufacturing services, including tube cutting, tube end forming, tube bending, and tube assembly.
10/22 – NAI
Thirteen students from Gaylord High School toured NAI’s fiber optic plant. They were surprised to learn that many positions are entry level and offer easy ways to work your way up in the company. Students really enjoyed seeing the injection molding, and hands-on activities included wire crimping with a wire crimping machine. The employer enjoyed the event and hopes to hold additional tours in the future. Teacher Stephanie Kalember stated, “This was fascinating. I was most pleased by the level of professionalism and the positive climate. This has given my kids a clear vision of what they might be working toward.”
10/22 – CSI Emergency Apparatus
On October 22, 2019, fourteen students and one teacher from Gaylord Schools participated in a Talent Tour at CSI Emergency Apparatus. Company Co-Owner Mark Brown told the students how his career began in manufacturing with skills he acquired at Kirtland CC. Mark is also Assistant Fire Chief in Grayling, and his currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
Students learned how the company makes fire engines starting with a chassis. Many hours of CAD drawing and fabrication work go into the design and build process. Mark touched on the different welding techniques; MIG and TIG used in his builds and skills like auto mechanics and wiring that he looks for in new hires. He pointed out that they are many opportunities for young people if they have the drive and motivation. CSI is very generous with time off, pay and benefits and offers flex time. Overtime hours are only performed during the week, so weekends remain open for family time, something Mark and his employee’s value. He mentioned these attributes so students could see the value of working for a small company and the perks that come with it.
CSI participates in Manufacturing Month every year and welcomes the opportunity for students to tour the facility. Mark encourages students to get an education and pursue something they love to do.
10/22 – Air Way Automation
On October 22, 2019, fourteen 9th and 10th grade students and one teacher from Gaylord Schools visited Grayling for a Talent Tour at Air Way Automation. Nate Mead and Todd Bidwell introduced themselves and gave the students background on what the company manufacturers and how they have expanded over the years. They both spoke on how their careers got started at Air Way and the many skills they have developed over the course of their employment with the company.
Students were able to see robots in action and they learned how water jets and sand are used to cut pieces of metal based on blue prints. They were shown parts feeding machines and the over-head cranes used to hoist large pieces of steel with a magnet. Staff shared the entry level opportunities available, and the many areas for advancement. Air Way hires young talent and works closely with the local CTC program on skills needed at their plant. They have brought on high school students to work part-time while in high school for experience. After high school, many are hired on full time. Air Way Automation is a proponent of Talent Tours and other events that encourage students to explore career opportunities.
10/23 –Industrial Arts Institute
Twenty-two Wolverine High School students and two teachers participated in a Talent Tour at the Industrial Arts Institute on October 23, 2019. The students were divided into three groups and toured site plant and the school.
Industrial Arts Institute was established in 2014 in Onaway, Michigan. IAI specializes in preparing graduates for rewarding professional careers in the welding industry. Tammy Ward-Operations/Student Service Manager led the tour for the students. Tammy gave a short presentation on the history of IAI and how students could apply. Students were then lead to the class room to learn about the cohorts. Students were also able to tour the school and were able to participate with hands on welding. Some students took the opportunity to weld at three different areas at the school.
The students then loaded back on the bus and headed over to Moran Iron Works, where they toured the project floor. The students got to see the next Shepler boat being built and got to see the next projects that were in the works for part of The Department of Defense (no photos were allowed at that time). The tour was well received by the students and all that attended would attend another Talent Tour.
10/23 – Cadillac Products
Twenty-two student and two teachers from Wolverine Schools toured Cadillac Products on October 23, in honor of Manufacturing Month. Cadillac Products was established in World War 2 in 1942 and is a four generation company. Cadillac Products Automotive Company provides a wide variety of protective plastic, exterior and interior acoustical parts and door watershields, to service the diverse needs of today’s automotive industry.
Students toured the site plant and were able to see machines in the process of preparing plastics to be cut and transformed into parts for vehicles. Tour lead Andy Stone and Rob Klein explained the in demand job skills that Cadillac Products is looking for new hires, and many opportunities at their facility. Andy Stone also explained the benefits that the company offers, i.e. paid vacation, holidays off. The tour was well received by the students and all that attended would attend another Talent Tour.
10/23 – Cadillac Products
Twelve students from the Onaway – Onobots team and their two teachers toured Cadillac Products during Manufacturing Month. Students toured the facility learning the different processes and technologies, as well as types of robotics they used at their facility. Students were able to touch the raw materials, recycled materials and the finished products while learning the items that Cadillac Products makes, seeing the process of molding the raw material, seeing what they do with the waste products (recycle), and learning what parts of the vehicles are covered.
With few skilled employees moving to the area, Cadillac products relies heavily on the talent pipeline that they are establishing through Alpena Community College for future engineers and engineer trainees. Compounding the workforce concerns is the fact that the population doesn’t have the education level needed for many of the jobs Cadillac is needing to fill, such as engineers. With a lack of training facilities in Northern Michigan, Cadillac is relying heavily on apprenticeship through internship and are paying for many workers’ schooling. Students enjoyed the tour, reporting “it’s much cleaner than I would have expected for an auto parts plant” and “I didn’t realize the amount of different careers they have here!” The employer enjoyed having the students and stated they were impressed with the student’s attention to the process and their questions.
10/29 – Moran Iron Works & Industrial Arts Institute
Twenty-one students and two chaperons, from Rogers City High school participated in a Talent Tour at the Industrial Arts Institute and Moran Iron Works on October 29, 2019. The students were divided into three groups and toured site plant and the school.
Industrial Arts Institute was established in 2014 in Onaway, Michigan. IAI specializes in preparing graduates for rewarding professional careers in the welding industry. Tammy Ward-Operations/Student Service Manager led the tour for the students. Tammy gave a short presentation on the history of IAI and how students could apply. Students were then lead to the class room to learn about the cohorts. Students were also able to tour the school and were able to participate with hands on welding. Some students took the opportunity to weld at three different areas at the school.
The students then loaded back on the bus and headed over to Moran Iron Works, where they were greeted by the Owner and Operator of Moran Iron Works, Tom Moran. Tom gave the tour himself, leading the students throughout Moran Iron Works and answering multiple questions that the students had. The students got to see the next Shepler boat being built and got to see the next projects that were in the works for part of The Department of Defense (no photos were allowed at that time). The tour was well received by the students and all that attended would attend another Talent Tour.