Hands-On Exploration Drives Career Discovery at RVC Manufacturing Day

Hands-On Exploration Drives Career Discovery at RVC Manufacturing Day

• Students
• 10/23/2025

Rock Valley College and CEANCI celebrated Manufacturing Day on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Advanced Technology Center. The event brought together students, educators, and industry professionals for a day dedicated to exploring advanced manufacturing careers.

As part of Illinois Manufacturing Month, RVC's celebration featured hands-on learning opportunities, industry networking, and a special visit from the Makers on the Move Bus. This traveling exhibit, sponsored by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), was designed to highlight innovation and career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. The bus tour showcased how today's manufacturers are combining technology, sustainability, and creativity to shape the modern workforce.

"We are thrilled to partner with CEANCI to celebrate and honor Manufacturing Day by providing our local high school students an opportunity to explore high-demand careers," said RVC President Dr. Howard Spearman. "In order to fully explore career options in advanced manufacturing, it is essential to provide students with the opportunity to actually see the options. RVC faculty opened the doors of the Advanced Manufacturing Center and provided valuable, hands-on exploration for area students."

Throughout the day, area high school students participated in a variety of interactive demonstrations, including welding, robotics, truck driver training, automotive and collision repair, 3D printing, and CNC machining. Students also connected with representatives from local and regional companies to learn about career pathways and training opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

RVC Trustee Bob Trojan highlighted the direct employment opportunities created by RVC training programs. He told participating students, "The graduates who complete our programs get jobs. They walk out of RVC with certificates and experience, and they go to work. There are jobs waiting for you."

The expo featured more than 20 vendors and organizations, including 425 MFG, Aerotek (MFG Branch), All World Machinery, Carpenters Training Center, F.N. Smith, Fastenal, Forest City Gear, Henning, Ingersoll Cutting Tools, Mid-States Concrete, NIU/RVC, Plumber & Pipefitter Local 23, RVC's Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP), Rockford Career College, Swenson Spreader, WOTM, Youngberg, PBC Linear, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy.

Manufacturing Day was part of a nationwide initiative designed to inspire future manufacturers and raise awareness about the industry's essential role in supporting strong local economies.

For more information about Rock Valley College's Advanced Technology Center and its workforce development programs, visit https://www.rockvalleycollege.edu.

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