“I need more opportunities like this to let the kids see what I’m saying is not just a dog and pony show,” Vanyo said. “They need to see that what they’re learning, if they vest in it, can become a career.”
The October 6 event in Vanyo’s class was one of 147 events scheduled to take place around Iowa this October to commemorate national Manufacturing Day on October 7.
Iowa’s celebration has been spread throughout the month as part of a drive to educate young Iowans about the wealth of opportunities available by working in manufacturing. Factories across the state will be opening their doors for public tours, while industry leaders will be visiting schools to speak to students directly.
The Boone High School visit included additive manufacturing presentations by Chris Hill, head of CIRAS’ Technology Assistance Program (TAP), and Todd Woolston, of Mid-West 3D Solutions in Boone. Both men discussed the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing and what it will mean for Iowans’ future ability to make things. New design possibilities are on the horizon, as well as new flexibility for manufacturers.
“People want something different, and they want it now,” Hill told the students. “Whoever can get it to them the fastest, wins…
“Learning this technology makes you different, make you stand out from your competition.”
Elsewhere this month, Iowans around the state have explored a variety of other manufacturing themes:
- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad last week toured Thombert, a Newton-based company that makes forklift tires and wheels. “These (tours) are always good because we learn things that you otherwise might have not known,” Branstad told the Newton Daily News.
- Forest City leaders and roughly 20 community residents toured Winnebago Industries and witnessed the production process.
- Eighth and 10th graders in Cherokee toured R.J. Thomas and American Natural Soy to get an up-close look at those two local manufacturing operations.
- And students from Maquoketa Community High School received an up-close look at Precision Metal Works, a company that specializes in creating industrial washers.
Manufacturing Day events continue throughout the month thanks to a coordinated effort between Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), Iowa’ community colleges, the Iowa Area Development Group, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
For more information about events in your community, search for Iowa at MFGDay.com.