The importance of manufacturing in the United States cannot be overstated. Manufacturing accounts for over 11% of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) and employs millions of Americans. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing industry, which is why events like Manufacturing Day tours are so important.

From April 18th to April 20th, Everett Community College's (EvCC) Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Center (AMTEC) center hosted nearly 500 middle and high school students from Everett, Snohomish, Mukilteo, Cle Elum-Roslyn, Edmonds, and Monroe school districts and several local manufacturers. The event aimed to introduce students to the manufacturing world and inspire them to pursue careers in this field. Impact Washington-NIST MEP was on hand to offer general support and sponsored a local food truck to be on-site and feed our future workforce. 

AMTEC is a one-of-a-kind 54,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art training center where students train with the latest manufacturing technologies. AMTEC’s faculty teams go beyond the typical classroom environment to mentor students through hands-on, collaborative projects.

During the event, students toured the center and were given an in-depth presentation from each AMTEC department - welding, precision machining, composites, engineering tech design, and mechatronics. Students assembled a cell phone rest as a take-home project. They also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from local manufacturers and learn about the different types of jobs available in the industry.

One of the manufacturers participating in the event was Electroimpact, a local company that designs and builds aerospace tooling and automated equipment. Electroimpact spoke to the students about the importance of manufacturing in the local economy and encouraged them to consider pursuing careers in the industry.

Another local manufacturer participating in the event was Toolcraft, a leading manufacturer of precision metal components and assemblies for various industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, and energy. Toolcraft showed the students multiple parts and components made at their facility.

Canyon Creek Cabinets, a manufacturer of custom cabinetry, also participated in the event. Canyon Creek Cabinets allowed students to assemble a cabinet and explain their advanced manufacturing facility in detail.

Vashon Aircraft/Mammoth Overland Trailers, a company that designs and manufactures custom aircraft and off-road trailers, also participated in the Manufacturing Day tours. Vashon Aircraft/Mammoth Overland Trailers showed up with one of their aerospace-grade damping trailers, sharing with students how they use advanced manufacturing technologies to create high-quality, custom-built trailers for various applications.

Participating manufacturers gave students valuable insights into the manufacturing world and demonstrated the many different types of jobs available in the industry. The tour of AMTEC and in-person conversations with manufacturers were an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the importance of manufacturing, explore products manufactured in Washington, and discuss potential career paths in this exciting field.

Leaders from the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Cluster participated as the industry faces a growing skills gap, with many experienced workers reaching retirement age and a shortage of young talent to replace them. By inspiring young people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in aerospace, the industry can help address this skills gap and ensure a strong talent pipeline to support future growth. The Pacific Northwest Aerospace cluster is the largest aerospace cluster in the world, with over 1,350 companies that employ more than 136,000 people in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia.

We commend Everett Community College's AMTEC center for organizing such a successful event and bringing together local manufacturers and industry parnters to participate in the three-day event.

Thanks to the following organizations for your participation Senior Aerospace AMT, Jamco-America, Pacific Northwest Aerospace Cluster, Toolcraft, Electroimpact, Diehard RC, Aseptico, CNC Machine Services, Dynon Avionics, Vashon Aircraft/Mammoth Overland Trailers, SeaCast, Sound Air and Canyon Creek Cabinet Company

Events like Manufacturing Day tours are essential in promoting the importance of manufacturing and inspiring the next generation of workers. Seeing local schools and manufacturers working together to provide students with these valuable experiences is encouraging. The manufacturing industry is vital to the U.S. economy, and we must ensure a skilled workforce to sustain it in the future.

Impact Washington is a non-profit organization supporting Washington State's manufacturing industry. As part of our commitment to promoting the industry, we strongly support Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) and urge local manufacturers to get involved in this critical initiative. We encouraged manufacturers to open their doors to students and the community, allowing them to learn about modern manufacturing practices and the many exciting career opportunities in the industry. We are committed to working with local manufacturers, industry partners, and educational institutions to build a strong and vibrant manufacturing workforce for the future.