Manufacturing is the number one employment sector in Kaskaskia College District 501, making the industry essential to both the region’s economy and its future workforce. During National Manufacturing Month this October, Kaskaskia College, in partnership with the Centralia Chamber of Commerce, City of Salem Economic Development and C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, will highlight manufacturing career opportunities available in Marion County while continuing to strengthen connections among students, education and local employers.
For the first time, KC will host a Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 2, providing area high school students with an opportunity to experience modern manufacturing and learn about careers available close to home.
The inaugural Manufacturing Day will focus on partnerships with industries in the Salem and Centralia areas, including Intermountain Electronics, EFI-Solutions, Americana, North American Lighting, Bettendorf Stanford, ConAgra and others.
Together, these companies represent the diversity of manufacturing found within the KC district. Students will be introduced to industries involving electrical systems and equipment, fabrication, automotive components, food production, and other specialized manufacturing operations. The experience will also highlight the range of careers behind these operations—from welding, machining and industrial maintenance to automation, robotics, electrical technology, logistics and other skilled positions.
For Kaskaskia College, preparing students for these careers is a significant part of its workforce mission. The College has continued to invest in training facilities and equipment that reflect the technology students will encounter in the workplace.
The Harry L. Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center serves as a hub for hands-on career and technical education, providing students with opportunities to develop skills in areas such as welding, HVAC, industrial technology, carpentry, and other skilled trades.
KC has also expanded access to hands-on training through its Mobile Manufacturing Lab, which brings advanced training equipment and technology directly into communities throughout District 501. The mobile lab allows the College to reach students and employers beyond the main campus and provide greater exposure to manufacturing careers and skills.
KC’s programs and resources are designed to respond to the changing needs of regional employers, including training in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, HVAC, Carpentry Occupations and the College’s new Machining Technology Certificate.
The October 2 Manufacturing Day is intended to serve as the starting point for a broader initiative. KC will use the success, participation and feedback from its initial partnerships in Salem and Centralia to guide how Manufacturing Day can expand to additional high schools, industries and communities throughout District 501 in future years.
By connecting students directly with employers, KC can help them see the variety of opportunities that exist within their own communities and understand the education and skills needed to pursue them. At the same time, local manufacturers have an opportunity to introduce the next generation to an industry that remains vital to the region.
National Manufacturing Month provides Kaskaskia College with an opportunity to celebrate an industry that already plays a leading role in District 501 while looking toward what comes next. Through partnerships with local employers and community organizations, expanded access to hands-on training through the Mobile Manufacturing Lab, and the launch of Manufacturing Day, KC is working to ensure the region has the skilled workforce needed to keep manufacturing strong for generations to come.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
