Fall 2019 Manufacture Your Career Events

In October, SVAM held Manufacture Your Career events at UVa-Wise, Southwest Virginia Community College, and Virginia Highlands Community College. These events focused around a panel discussion highlighting the manufacturing sector and the career paths it offers. Panelists discussed multiple topics including pay and benefits, facility safety, common misconceptions, employer desired soft skills, and different job opportunities. Students also had the opportunity to ask their own questions about manufacturing. Students networked with the panelists at the end of the event, discussing job opportunities and internships. Eighty five students representing a variety of college majors were reached with these events.

SVAM received wonderful feedback regarding these events. Traci A. Mitchell, M.A., CWDP, Coordinator of Recruitment and Career Services at Virginia Highlands Community College said, “The Manufacture Your Career Program held on the VHCC campus was a tremendous resource. Networking continues to be the number one way that people find jobs. This event provided our students with the opportunity to meet and shake hands with some of the top manufacturers in our region. Thank you, SVAM!”

SVAM would like to thank the businesses that participated in these three events: Hapco Pole Products in Abingdon, Tadano Mantis Corporation in Richlands, General Dynamics Mission Systems in Marion, West River Conveyors and Machinery Company in Oakwood, Somic America in Wytheville, PBE Group in North Tazewell, Komatsu Mining Corp in Duffield, Tempur Sealy in Duffield, and Strongwell in Bristol.SVAM would also like to thank the hosting colleges and event organizers: Neva Bryan at UVa-Wise, Lindsey Burke at SWCC, and Traci Mitchell at VHCC.