What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?
A Part of a Greater Effort to Shrink the Technical Skills Gap in Manufacturing
Manufacturing is cool. At least that is what R-V Industries, Inc. and “Dream it. DO IT. PA” set out to prove to local teenagers while breaking some of the traditional negative stereotypes associates with this industry.
R-V Industries, an industrial manufacturing company with facilities in Exton, Honey Brook and Morgantown, connected with “Dream it. DO IT. PA” to offer middle school students a chance to explore career opportunities in manufacturing.
“Dream it. DO IT. PA” works to instill interest in industry jobs by changing the perception about careers in manufacturing. The program coordinates activities for students and educators to participate together, including an annual video contest that pairs local middle schools and manufacturers. R-V Industries was excited to be a part of Dream it’s “What’s so Cool About Manufacturing” video contest which allowed a group of eighth graders from Octorara School District to explore the Beta Star Life Sciences division of R-V Industries. The students’ goal was to record their own short film meant to inspire and educate their peers about the manufacturing industry.
A Greater Effort: The Next Generation
R-V Industries is aware that ensuring the future of manufacturing in the United States is contingent upon developing the next generation of skilled trade and technical workers. R-V partners with several programs that provide opportunities to students who want to learn more about careers in manufacturing.
In addition, students from nearby institutions such as Drexel University, Rowan University, Penn State Berks, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and local high schools, have participated in internships and job shadows within several departments of R-V Industries. R-V Industries is also an active member of the Chester County Economic Development Council and the Twin Valley High School Advisory Council, as well as a member of the boards for Berks and Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Centers.
The landscape of education has been shifting slightly in recent years as more schools have embraced S.T.E.M. programs and technology. Investing in technology and education is also vital for organizations that are primarily focused in skilled trades. The partnerships R-V Industries has with local organizations helps promote the passion R-V has for manufacturing and the growth path technical education and jobs can provide students. The connection with “Dream it. DO IT. PA” is another conduit to achieve R-V’s mission of improving the quality of life for each individual they employ or hope to employ in the future.
A Greater Effort: The Current Generation
This focus on the value of education is not new to R-V Industries. The company is aware of how much of its success is driven by the skill of its manufacturing associates. Expanding their skills and knowledge base improves the overall performance of the organization, which led to the decision to invest in providing education for Tooling University, a skills based competency and training tool.
Individuals who are already with the company are able to expand their knowledge through tuition reimbursement along with the recently implemented certification program through Tooling U. This training offers participants the opportunity to expand their skill sets and learn new areas of expertise through online training and practical application.
Don’t Forget to Vote!
For more information about the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing video contest, and to vote on the R-V video in partnership with Octorara Middle School students, go to the “Dream it. DO IT. PA” voting page and look for our video! Voting takes place today, February 27th through 11:59 PM on March 1st.
