Batesville High School students taking part in the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics (AM&L) program received a first-hand view of life after graduation. Hillenbrand, in conjunction with the National Manufacturing Day, provided students with an in depth tour of the Batesville Doll Plant.
All across the United States manufacturing jobs continue to go unfilled and unemployment rates still hover around eight percent. Instead of waiting around for a solution, associates at Hillenbrand partnered with local businesses, Batesville High School, and Ivy Tech Community College to address the skills gap issue plaguing our country. The result: an AM&L curriculum that prepares students for careers after school. Students spend their day between Batesville High School, Ivy Tech, and local manufacturing businesses.
“By their high school graduation, students have earned college credit, have hands on experience, and probably have a job lined up,” said Craig Hughes, teacher of the AM&L program. “Not every student needs to go to a four-year college, these students are prepared for highly skilled and highly paid jobs that our country needs to prosper.”
During the tour, students received insight on welding, specialty machines and assembly. They also received greater insight on the interworking of the plant from the director of Batesville manufacturing, John Harmeyer Jr.
“This program is model the rest of the country should use,” said Harmeyer. “We’re already seeing the success at the doll plant. Students have learned the skills needed for employment and we’re getting quality employees, it is a win for everyone.”
Manufacturing Day was created by the National Association of Manufacturers to correct public perception, which doesn’t do manufacturing justice. Manufacturing environments, which include highly trained, well-paid employees who work on state–of-the-art equipment, are commonly thought of as antiquated factories designed for low – skilled workers. Manufacturing Day addresses this misperception by giving all manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, exactly what manufacturing is —and what it isn’t.
Press Release from Hillenbrand Inc.
