Local Industry and Educators Team Up to Reach Potential Workforce

For the fifth consecutive year, the Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association and Joliet Junior College (JJC) will join forces for a Manufacturing (MFG) Day event on Oct. 9.

Hosted on JJC's Main Campus, the goal of Manufacturing Day is three-fold: provide an opportunity for manufacturers to show their communities what they do; highlight the economic importance of manufacturing; and draw attention to rewarding manufacturing careers.

MFG Day is an invitation only career awareness event for local high school students. 

According to the Manufacturing Institute, research indicates that over the next decade, nearly three-and-a-half million manufacturing jobs will be needed, and two million are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap.

As a result, approximately 750 students from 13 schools in Will and Grundy Counties will participate in this event to learn more about manufacturing careers from over 40 local companies.  In addition to exploring company displays, students will also hear from author and speaker, EJ Carrion, and participate in a Jeopardy style trivia contest about manufacturing.  

According to Dr. Judy Mitchell, JJC president, the college develops and supports opportunities like MFG Day to give students hands-on opportunities to explore, learn, and discuss careers with the companies that will eventually hire them.

 “It’s important to do more than simply talk to high school students about the importance of going to college or getting a degree. Helping students identify what their career is, and connecting them to the right academic or career training program that will lead them to that career is what this is all about,” said Mitchell.

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 second highest wages of any economic sector. In addition, every manufacturing job is responsible for 3.6 other jobs in sectors servicing manufacturing. 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 38,000 students in credit and noncredit courses. Learn more at www.jjc.edu.