Head of the Class(es)

The national media is finally understanding the tremendous potential manufacturing careers offer high school graduates. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal ran a feature entitled “Schools Revive Shop Class,” which described several high school vocational programs across the country.

For years Enterprise Minnesota has worked to support technical education programs that connect Minnesota’s manufacturers with high schools programs that prepare students for rewarding careers in manufacturing. We’ve also featured these efforts, and their visionary leaders and multimillion dollar expansions, in our publications and on our website.

It is common sense that  students who have completed high school manufacturing coursework often enjoy a head start in technical colleges because of their high school coursework.

We’ve recognized the valuable connections high schools, manufacturers and technical colleges have forged as they develop flexible programs that reflect the ever-changing demands of the manufacturing workforce. We’ve celebrated the contributions of Minnesota manufacturers that give time and resources to these programs, provide input on programming and offering financial support and equipment to ensure students can acquire needed skills

And we’ve highlighted the successes of students who’ve pursued manufacturing careers, helping debunk the myth – unfortunately still held by many parents and school counselors – that manufacturing is a fallback option for those not “cut out for college.” Instead, we’ve shown how manufacturing is a great first career option for top students.

Several dynamics have converged to further bolster the case for manufacturing careers. Runaway college costs have many questioning the return on a four-year degree, and artificial intelligence threatens the job security of many knowledge workers.

But quality manufacturing jobs appear here to stay. Bob Kill, our president & CEO often points out, supply chain issues will continue to drive production back to the U.S. Plus, the wave of retirements expected to continue in the next decade means manufacturers will need new employees for years to come.

We’ve been running our own versions of the opportunity manufacturing careers offer high school graduates for years and have another feature coming out in the summer issue of Enterprise Minnesota magazine. We show how innovative high schools, from Owatonna to Anoka, from Bemidji to Forest Lake have poured resources into equipment and instruction to prepare graduates to join the manufacturing sector.

Enterprise Minnesota and the manufacturers we support have always known that manufacturing will drive future economic growth and generate quality careers. We’re happy to keep leading the way.

Industry News

Job fair organized in Benson, Minnesota, after CNH layoffs
March 14, West Central Tribune

Ethanol industry contributed $2.1 billion to Minnesota’s economy in 2024
March 14, Ethanol Producer Magazine

Minnesota Gas, Welding Distributors Central McGowan and Minneapolis Oxygen Announce Merger
March 13, Industrial Distribution

Faribault Mill Cuts Prices on Blankets, Attributed to Process Optimization
March 12, TCB Magazine

CNH lays off nearly 400 as tractor demand wanes
March 11, Manufacturing Dive

nVent, with offices in St. Louis Park, to spend nearly $1B to grow key business
March 10, Minnesota Star Tribune