A never-ending stream of qualified workers will be needed as manufacturers grow, and current workers retire. WIRE-Net recognizes that the employees of tomorrow are the youth of our region. Bright and talented young people abound in our schools, but most are not aware of the opportunity that a career in manufacturing brings. We have taken the lead in an effort to correct that with four components of our School-to-Career program.

1. Several middle schools have been selected to participate in an 8th grade outreach manufacturing awareness campaign which includes, three visits a year that cover a hands-on solar car assembly project and manufacturing career and high school track exploration.
2. Students entering the ninth grade are engaged through a summer camp that will help them transition into high school and exposes them to hands-on experiences in a machine shop.
3. Ninth grade students at Max Hayes Technical High School are encouraged to participate in a five-week manufacturing career track exploration experience after school which also includes a plant tour.
4. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who meet the criteria to participate in the 10th-12th grade communication’s curriculum after school are getting experience through “real life” job experiences and professional development workshops around manufacturing careers.