Oakland County Manufacturing Day Introduces High School Students to Rewarding Career Opportunities Amid Skilled Worker Shortage

• Since 2015, more than 11,000 students have participated in Oakland County Manufacturing Day, with nearly 150 employers hosting tours.
• Participants receive a close-up look at the jobs of engineers, technicians, skilled trade employees and support staff and step into design labs, testing centers, production pods and other manufacturing environments.
• There will be 2.4 million unfilled manufacturing positions in the United States by 2028, according to a recent report by the Skilled Careers Coalition.

Pontiac, Mich. - Oakland County Manufacturing Day will host more than 1,000 students from 20 high schools and the Oakland Schools Technical Center campuses set to visit 34 advanced manufacturing facilities on Friday, Oct. 3.

Introducing local students to careers in advanced manufacturing is critical, given that the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity reports skilled trade positions will account for 47,000 annual job openings in Michigan through 2028. Nationwide, there will be 2.4 million unfilled manufacturing positions in the United States by 2028, according to a recent report by the Skilled Careers Coalition.

"Manufacturers from around the world are locating new and expanded operations in Oakland County and across Southeast Michigan," said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. "The need for skilled workers is stronger than ever. Events like Manufacturing Day are a perfect way for young people to pique their interests and begin the journey to a fulfilling career."

Since 2015, more than 11,000 students have participated in Oakland County Manufacturing Day. The event has highlighted nearly 150 employers, which have hosted tours that give students a firsthand look at modern manufacturing operations and potential career paths. Participants receive a close-up look at the jobs of engineers, technicians, skilled trade employees and support staff during a three-hour visit to a facility. Students step into design labs, testing centers, production pods and other manufacturing environments.

"Manufacturing Day reflects the vital connection between education and industry," said Oakland Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. "By engaging with more than 30 employer partners, Oakland County students gain a deeper understanding of the advanced skills, technologies, and career pathways shaping the future of manufacturing. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy."

The 2025 roster of tour hosts includes 3-Dimensional Services Group; ABB; AirBoss Flexible Products; AkzoNobel; American Axle and Manufacturing; Ascent Aerospace; Atlas Copco; Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems; Barron Industries; Brose North America; Cosma Body Assembly Michigan; Durr Systems Inc; FANUC America Corporation; FATA Automation, Inc.; HIROTEC America; Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering Inc; Humanetics; JR Automation; MacLean-Fogg; Mayville Engineering Company; Moeller Aerospace; NLB Corp.; Oakland Community College; Oerlikon; Pratt Miller; PROFIL; Signarama, Troy- Metro Detroit; Star Cutter Company; Three M Tool and Machine; Triple Inc.; TSM Corporation; Webasto Convertibles USA Inc.; Williams International and Witzenmann.

"Oakland County does a great job organizing Manufacturing Day for students, and we love being part of it," said Erin Stanforth, a Senior HR Generalist at MacLean-Fogg. "Hosting students gives us the chance to show what manufacturing is all about and the many career paths available after high school. We look forward to continuing this partnership and seeing the benefits it brings to students and the future workforce."

Oakland County Michigan Works!, the Oakland County Department of Economic Development, Oakland Schools and Oakland Community College have partnered to organize this year's event. Financial sponsors include Ascent Aerospace, Humanetics, PROFIL, Triple Inc., Williams International and Witzenmann.

For more information, visit OakGov.com/MfgDay or MfgDay.com (national website). Follow the event on social media: #MFGDay25, #MfgOak.