Spring 2021 Manufacture Your Career Events

SVAM continued our virtual Manufacture Your Career panel discussions for the spring 2021 semester. Students and educators tuned in via Zoom as both individuals and classes. These events focused on a discussion from a panel of manufacturing professionals highlighting the manufacturing industry and the career paths it offers. Panelists discussed multiple topics including changes in manufacturing over the years, employee engagement, pay and benefits, facility safety, employer desired soft skills, opportunities for advancement, and different job opportunities. Students also had the opportunity to ask panel members questions. These events were a terrific opportunity for students to get an idea of the opportunities available for them and gain exposure to local businesses.

The first event was hosted by Mountain Empire Community College and joined by students from UVa-Wise. Panelists included: Leah Sawer, Chief Human Resources Officer for Real Performance Machinery, LLC formerly Metalworx; Bryant Rutledge, Lean Manufacturing Engineer for Hapco and Concord American Flagpole; Martha Rasnake, Senior Human Resources Advisor at General Dynamics Mission Systems; and Garrett Goad, Safety Specialist at Mohawk Industries.

The second event was hosted by Wytheville Community College. Panelists included: Dave Bramow, Plant Director for PepsiCo, Inc. – Blue Ridge Gatorade; Marty Whited, Kaizen Lead at Tadano Mantis Corporation; Bobby Epperson, Sr. Engineer, Compliance & Facilities at Coperion Corporation; and Melinda Roberts, Human Resources Manager at Scholle IPN.

SVAM would like to thank Beth Boggs Kelly and MECC, Neva Bryant and UVa-Wise, Perry Hughes and WCC, and all of the manufacturing professionals who shared their valuable knowledge and insight with us.

Click here for a replay of the MECC panel discussion.
Click here for a replay of the WCC panel discussion.
Click here for a playlist of all SVAM’s virtual panel discussion.