PIQUA — With manufacturing month in full swing, businesses in Miami County have opened their doors to try and encourage a younger generation to pursue careers where many are beginning to retire.
In Piqua, more than 700 high school students are spending three days touring seven of the city’s manufacturing businesses, including Hartzell Propeller, Harmony Systems and French Oil.
>> Labor shortage: Snow and ice a worry this winter, as ODOT looks to fill 500 plow positions
Tayte French Lutz, director of marketing at French Oil, told News Center 7′s James Rider that the Piqua Are Chamber of Commerce began coordinating the tours with participating manufacturers about two years ago. She said it feels “special” to see students take interest in the tours.
“There are definitely students where you can see their eyes light up a little more, they’re a little more interested and getting a little closer to the machines and a little closer up. They’ll stand closer tot he person giving the tours, talking to make sure they really hear what’s happening,” Lutz said.
>> ‘Thankfully I am alive;’ Distracted driving investigated as factor of Greene Co. crash Wednesday
Lutz told News Center 7 that she wants students to understand that manufacturing is not limited to manual labor. She said there are a wide variety of opportunities in the field, as well as in Piqua.
“The type of careers that are available right in their hometown and the skills needed to do it. Some students might not realize you can also have a marketing degree and still benefit from a career in manufacturing,” Lutz said.