Manufacture Your Career: Connecting Students with Opportunity at VHCC & MECC

SVAM recently hosted two Manufacture Your Career events at Virginia Highlands Community College and Mountain Empire Community College. These events are part of our ongoing effort to connect students with real-world opportunities in manufacturing across Southwest Virginia.

The goal of this program is straightforward: to change perceptions and showcase the wide range of careers available in today’s manufacturing industry. At these events, nearly 150 students had the opportunity to hear directly from professionals in the field about what their jobs entail, how they began their careers, and the various opportunities available right here in our region.

At Virginia Highlands Community College, we were joined by an exceptional group of panelists: Melinda Roberts from SIG, Andrew Proffitt from Virginia Insulated Products, Rich Brooks from Hapco Pole Products, Jake Leonard from TAM, Inc., Ranae Anderson from Universal Fibers, and Jennifer Roundtree from Universal Fiber Systems. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences provided students with a comprehensive view of careers in the industry. The students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and taking advantage of the chance to connect with panelists after the discussion.

At Mountain Empire Community College, we welcomed Tyler Brewer from Komatsu and Mason DeBoard from VFP, Inc. They led a more in-depth conversation about career pathways, daily responsibilities, and opportunities for growth in manufacturing. Their experiences highlighted how individuals can start in entry-level roles and cultivate long-term, rewarding careers.

Throughout both events, one theme emerged: manufacturing in Southwest Virginia is robust, evolving, and filled with opportunities. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, students were able to see firsthand how a career in manufacturing can grow and develop over time.

SVAM would like to extend our gratitude to the faculty and staff at both colleges for hosting these events, as well as to each of our panelists for generously sharing their time and insights. Their support is crucial in promoting careers in manufacturing and in helping to build the future workforce in our region.