775 Local Students to Attend 6th Annual MFG DAY at JJC

For the sixth consecutive year, Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association (TRMA) and Joliet Junior College are collaborating to host area high school students for Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) on Oct. 8.

MFG Day emerged from TRMA’s desire to celebrate the local manufacturing industry, and is part of a nationwide effort by the National Association of Manufacturers to start a grassroots movement to address the shared challenges facing manufacturers today. There are 2,066 MFG Day events occurring this October throughout North America.

MFG Day at JJC is an invitation only career awareness event for local high school students. The day includes their participation in a “Manufacturing Jeopardy” game. This STEM exposition, staffed by manufacturers and its related industries, will allow students an up-close look at the science and technology propelling the industry. They will also have the opportunity to engage with the people employed in interesting and diverse manufacturing related careers. 

Approximately 775 students from across Will and Grundy counties are scheduled to attend, including from JJC, Valley View, Joliet Township and Lockport Township High Schools, Plainfield Central and South high schools, Coal City, Garner South Wilmington and Wilmington High Schools, Morris Community and Minooka Community High Schools, as well both Area Career Centers, GAVC and WILCO. Additionally, there will be volunteers and presenters from four dozen businesses representing manufacturing, related industries and higher education. View a complete list of participating organizations.

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.

About Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association

Since its inception in 1933, TRMA has been serving and promoting manufacturing in our region. Manufacturing remains strong in Will and Grundy counties with over 20,000 jobs that pay the one of the highest wages of any economic sector, while maintaining one of the lowest injury rates in the nation. . Additionally, manufacturing is vital to our local economy, as every dollar in final sales of manufactured products supports $1.33 in output from other sectors—this is the largest multiplier of any sector. TRMA members have an annual payroll of $700 million plus local purchases of over $500 million, a major boost to the local economies.

About Joliet Junior College

Founded in 1901, Joliet Junior College is the nation’s first public community college. JJC enriches people’s lives through affordable, accessible, and quality programs and services. The college provides transfer and career preparation, training and workforce development, and a lifetime of learning to the diverse community it serves. The college’s initial enrollment was six students; today, JJC serves more than 30,000 students in credit and noncredit courses. Learn more at www.jjc.edu.

About MFG Day

There is an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program and operate technology. Over the next decade, manufacturers will need to fill 4.6 million jobs. Organized by The Manufacturing Institute—the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—MFG Day is designed to introduce young people and others in the community to the thriving manufacturing industry to change perceptions of manufacturing and highlight the high-tech and innovative companies that are solving tomorrow’s challenges today.