In observance of NC Advanced Manufacturing and STEM Careers Awareness Week, Henderson County Public Schools and the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development are partnering to introduce students to the successful manufacturing careers available in their own backyards. As part of HCPED’s ‘Made in Henderson County’ initiative, 411 middle and high school students and educators will tour 13 manufacturing companies on Thursday, April 16.

Participating companies include SMARTRAC, Clement Pappas, UPM Raflatac, Legacy Paddlesports, SELEE, Wilsonart, BorgWarner Thermal, Meritor, The Oriole Mill, Daystar Machining Technologies, Kyocera Precision Tools, Cane Creek Cycling Components, and AlphaTech. Together these employers represent over 2,400 Henderson County jobs that range from production, engineering, assembly, logistics, human resources, maintenance and finance positions.

“Henderson County, NC is home to 138 manufacturing employers that support 15% of the county’s workforce,” stated Dave Modaff, Chair of the HCPED Board. “With a combined total annual payroll of more than $265 million, and average wages exceeding $51,000/year, HCPED believes careers in the manufacturing sector represent a highly attractive value proposition especially for those that value Henderson County’s excellent public schools, higher education opportunities and growing economy,” Modaff said.

“We appreciate the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development working with our local business community to provide our students the opportunity to tour manufacturing facilities in Henderson County,” said Henderson County Public Schools Superintendent David Jones. “This experience allows our students to see firsthand the various manufacturing operations and career opportunities available to them.”

“The tours for our students provides insight into the skills they need to be successful in the career of their interest and help them understand the courses they need to master in high school and college to realize that success,” added Dr. Helen Owen, HCPS Career & Technical Education Director.

Made in Henderson County is a coordinated effort established to enhance the connection between manufacturing businesses and Henderson County Public Schools, while telling the story of manufacturing, the products that are made here and the people who make them. The effort to enhance connectivity between manufacturing businesses and the school system is focused on raising the visibility of manufacturing as a viable career path to ensure that Henderson County students have diverse employment opportunities in the community, and manufacturing businesses have access to skilled, local talent. Visit www.madeinhendersoncounty.com for more information.