Training & Events Signature Programs

STRATEGIC WIN

Manufacturing in Motion

Bringing Local Industry into the Classroom

Manufacturing in Motion logoOver the past several years, NWIRC’s Manufacturing Talent Stream initiative has connected with manufacturing companies, collaborated with schools and organizations, and engaged students in career awareness activities. A recurring barrier quickly became clear: many schools lack the transportation resources and time to take students on field trips to manufacturing facilities. Without firsthand exposure, students often miss the chance to see the exciting career opportunities available in their own communities.

 

  • The Challenge

    Manufacturers want to inspire the next generation, but traditional plant tours are not always feasible. Schools struggle to allocate buses, funding, and classroom time for off-site visits. As a result, students – especially in rural or underserved areas – may never step inside a manufacturing facility before graduation. This disconnect limits awareness of modern manufacturing careers and contributes to ongoing workforce shortages.

  • The Solution

    To bridge this gap, NWIRC launched Manufacturing in Motion (MiM), a project designed to bring the plant floor directly into classrooms.

    • Virtual Reality Tours: Professional videographers produce 3-5 minute immersive videos highlighting different departments, skill requirements, and career pathways.
    • Accessible Distribution: Videos are hosted on a secure Vimeo channel and paired with QR codes on student handouts, making them easy to share with families.
    • Classroom Engagement: NWIRC’s Talent Stream Coordinator partners with schools to integrate the tours into lessons. Manufacturers also volunteer to visit classrooms, either in person or via Zoom, to share their own career journeys and answer student questions.
    • Interactive Learning: Worksheets aligned with Chapter 339 career education standards ensure students reflect on what they’ve learned and create artifacts for their portfolios.

    This approach allows every student in every classroom to experience manufacturing, regardless of transportation or scheduling barriers.

    The start-up of MiM is supported 100% by the PA Department of Labor and Industry of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award totaling $52,303.28 with $0.00 and 0% financed from non-governmental sources.

Metal Background

Program Success - So Far

The Manufacturing in Motion project has already made a measurable impact across the region:

  • 10 School Districts have incorporated the virtual tours into their classrooms with most tours led by representatives by the company.
  • 1400+ students have participated in presentations and taken home flyers to share with their families.
  • 19 manufacturing companies have been featured in the videos representing diverse industries and career paths. (Many still in production!)
  • Video views continue to grow, extending the reach beyond classrooms to families and communities.

By combining technology with personal connections, NWIRC is helping students envision themselves in local manufacturing careers—and helping companies build the workforce pipeline they need for the future.

Looking Ahead

With more videos in production and additional manufacturers joining the effort, Manufacturing in Motion will continue expanding across Northwest and North Central PA. The initiative is designed for sustainability: once produced, the videos can be used for years to come, supported by a five-year Vimeo subscription and ongoing outreach from NWIRC and regional partners. Manufacturing in Motion is more than a video series—it’s a movement to inspire pride, awareness, and opportunity in the next generation of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing workforce.

Click here to see the videos to date. Check back often!

 

1400+

Students

10

School Districts

19

Manufacturing Companies

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