NWIRC and Workforce Solutions are working collaboratively with industry and schools to promote careers in manufacturing. We have launched the PA Dream Team program in Jefferson and Clearfield Counties. This manufacturing Dream Team recently convened at the Penn State DuBois Launchbox to review goals for the program and resources to help them with presentations for when they begin talking with students in classrooms this Fall. They have diverse backgrounds in terms of their jobs and their career paths to get there… but they have many things in common, including their love of manufacturing and their excitement to share their stories with students.
The purpose of the PA Dream Team Program is to improve the talent pool of students pursuing technical skills and increase the number of students interested in STEM careers so that projected workforce demands and opportunities at area manufacturing companies are filled with the right skilled employees. The most effective way to expose area students to STEM careers, technology, and modern manufacturing environments is by meeting young successful employees who work in the field – via classroom presentations with hands-on activities and at community events.
This new PA Dream Team is comprised of employees working at area manufacturing companies. By serving on this collaborative and innovative ambassador team, they help unlock interest among students to consider similar STEM careers. Dream Team members will be available for presentations at schools and community events in Jefferson and Clearfield Counties – starting this Fall – to talk with students about their own path to manufacturing.
The original PA Dream Team Program in Lehigh Valley PA, created by the Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) and powered by Bosch Community Fund and Air Products, collectively presents to more than 2500 students annually in two counties and are featured at community events.
Those interested in joining the Dream Team or to request a presentation can reach out to Laurie Knoll (lknoll@nwirc.org) or Colleen Prechtl, Workforce Solutions (cprechtl@ncwdb.org).