Manufacturing Day at Pinellas Technical College

October 1, 2021 | College News

In 2014, the President of the United States signed a proclamation declaring the first Friday of October as National Manufacturing Day. In observance of this day, Pinellas Technical College welcomed students from East Lake and Largo Middle Schools to join us on our Clearwater Campus, for a day of activities that highlighted the contributions of American manufacturers.

In celebration of Manufacturing Day, the staff and student volunteers of Pinellas Technical College created an atmosphere where our visiting students could learn what manufacturing is, how it impacts our lives, and the amazing opportunities that a career in modern manufacturing can offer. The students were also exposed to the concept that buying American-made products supports our economy, creates jobs, and keeps our nation strong.

The students visited displays from a variety of programs offered by Pinellas Technical College. Their minds were expanded to include new occupations and skills that they may not have previously known about. Released from the confines of the classroom, the students were free to move about from program to program, asking questions, discovering new interests, and most importantly, learning.

Our guests enjoyed some sample tastes prepared by our Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality, and Baking and Pastry Arts program students under the watchful eyes of PTC’s outstanding Chef Instructors. There was also time for kids to just be kids, and they took full advantage of the down time to run, play, and toss PTC frisbees around. The campus visit ended after a walk-through Pinellas Technical College’s amazing Machining Technologies program filled with industry standard lathes, mills, and Computer Numerically Controlled machines used to create a multitude of products and parts in the manufacturing industry.  

As an added feature, students from Largo Middle School visited local manufacturer and PTC employer partner, Kemco. Students participated in guided tours to learn about the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of industrial machinery. They also had the opportunity to meet PTC graduates now working for Kemco as Machinists and Welders.

As the students boarded the buses back to their respective schools, one could not help but think, that these playful, curious, and well-mannered kids represent the future thinkers, designers, builders, creators, and fixers of our nation. It made us all feel that our efforts on this particular Manufacturing Day were well worth it.

Article submitted by Michael Gandolfo