Hawkeye Hosts High School Students for Manufacturing Career Exploration

Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturers

Hawkeye Community College marked Manufacturing Month with a Career Exploration Day for 75 area high school students on Wednesday, October 14, on Hawkeye's Main Campus, 1501 E. Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA.

The event was an immersive day of technology, hands-on exploration, and industry networking, introducing students to high-demand career pathways and connecting local businesses with the next generation of talent. Session topics included:

• Digital Mechanics: Decoding the Engine
• The Hot and Cold Lab: Climate Control
• The Virtual Torch: Arc Mastery
• Logic and Launchers: The PLC Nerf Duel

Keynote speaker was Mark Winburn, Supply Chain Integration Supervisor at John Deere, who highlighted the operations of modern manufacturing, diverse career opportunities in the field, and its economic impact on the community.

Students also connected 16 premier business partners to discuss career opportunities, internships, and the latest industry innovations. Participating employers included:

• John Deere | Waterloo, IA
• Conagra | Waterloo, IA
• Nestlé USA | Waverly, IA
• International Paper Co. | Waterloo, IA
• O'Neal Manufacturing Services | Cedar Falls, IA
• Mike Fereday Heating and Air Conditioning | Waterloo, IA
• Young Plumbing and Heating | Waterloo, IA
• Johnstone Supply | Waterloo, IA

"Manufacturing Month is a great opportunity to showcase the innovation and advanced technology driving today's industry," said Dr. Bethany Siehr, dean of applied technology at Hawkeye Community College. "By bringing high school students to campus for interactive career exploration, connecting them to competency-based education, and linking them directly with area employers, we're showing them firsthand how high-demand pathways lead to rewarding, good-paying careers right here in the Cedar Valley."

Participating students were from Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community Schools, North Tama County Wapsie Valley, Columbus Catholic high school, and Waterloo Community Schools.