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In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing announced the completion of its Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed 10 welding students from the Monongalia County Technical Education Center and Progressive Industries Inc.
The challenge required the students to develop an entry exam consisting of a written exam and a skills assessment for applicants as part of the Progressive Industries interview process.
“The exam pieces were put together well. I liked that one welding test makes a toolbox that is useful instead of just leftover scrap material,” said Josh Perry, general manager at Progressive Industries.
In preparation for the challenge, the students were given an in-depth virtual tour of Progressive Industries’ Morgantown facility. The tour included employee commentary about their jobs and why they chose to work in manufacturing. The Progressive team said basic math, decision-making skills, welding and fabricating abilities were critical.
The challenge concluded with students explaining how they developed the prospective employee entry exam. They also discussed obstacles and options they managed in developing the exam.
Don Robinette, MTEC welding instructor, said his students gain valuable experience by working with manufacturers on a real-world challenge. The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge allowed them to use skills they learned in class to help Progressive Industries find welders and fabricators.
Participating MTEC students: Clay Collins, Keehn Dunlevy, Gavin Henderson, Gavin Harr, Tanner Hennen, Dylan Howard, Connor Hyre, Gabe Dalton, Jason McCormick, Brandon Miavitz, Nick Reynolds, Ethan Rhodes, Zach Smyth and Tyler Yerkovich
Joining Perry from Progressive Industries was Heather Cyphert.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice recognized May 10, as West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day.
The proclamation celebrates and recognizes students and educators across the Mountain State for excellence and commitment to the next generation of workers in the manufacturing industry.
Explore the New Manufacturing is looking for schools and companies to take part in next year’s MIC program, as well as their What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Video Contests, Explore the New Manufacturing Academies and regional Scrap Competitions. If you would like more information, contact Tom Reed at tom@wvma.com or 304-612-4912.
