Allen ISD Hosts Inaugural Local Manufacturing Day 2024
In celebration of National Manufacturing Day, Allen ISD partnered with the Allen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to host its first-ever local Manufacturing Day event in Allen. This event was designed to give Allen ISD students a unique opportunity to explore career options in modern manufacturing, showcasing the industry’s future and the paths available to enter it.
This local event brought together nine area companies and 137 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from Allen High School to experience hands-on learning through facility tours, presentations, and discussions with industry professionals.
“Hosting a local Manufacturing Day allows us to connect our students with businesses right here in Allen,” said Toni Crisler, Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness for Allen ISD. “It provides them with valuable insights into the real-world career opportunities available in their own community and how the education they’re receiving can lead to a successful future.”
The event kicked off with a City Council Proclamation on October 8th, followed by company tours and presentations on October 9th. Participating companies included:
IntelliEPI: A leading provider of advanced semiconductor wafer products used in wireless communication and fiber optic networks. Students observed high-tech manufacturing processes involved in creating these complex components.
Littelfuse: Specializing in circuit protection and power control technologies, Littelfuse provides essential products used across automotive, industrial, and electronics sectors. Students learned how their products contribute to safety and efficiency in various industries.
All Metals Fabricating: A precision sheet metal fabricator, offering full-service metal fabrication and custom assembly. Students got a close-up look at how raw materials are transformed into finished products through cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Quest Medical: A medical device manufacturer specializing in products that improve patient outcomes and medical procedures. Students learned about the importance of quality control and precision in manufacturing medical devices.
KONE: Known for their innovative elevators and escalators, KONE is a global leader in the vertical transportation industry. Students explored the design and manufacturing processes involved in creating safe and efficient transport solutions.
Billings Productions: A unique company that manufactures life-size animatronic dinosaurs and other creatures for museums, zoos, and theme parks worldwide. Students were fascinated by the combination of engineering, art, and technology involved in bringing these creations to life.
Flexlink: A company specializing in automated production flow solutions, Flexlink provides systems that improve manufacturing efficiency and flexibility. Students saw how automation is transforming modern production lines.
CEC: A multidisciplinary engineering firm offering extensive services, allowing involvement with projects from conception, to design, to construction. They specialize in transportation design and planning, mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering, power delivery design and inspection, as well as surveying and mapping services.
Students got a sneak peek at their Land Surveying and Remote Sensing equipment and principles, learning the groundwork of a successful design project.
TNP: An engineering, surveying, and consulting firm offering services in civil and infrastructure design. Students learned about the importance of infrastructure development and the critical role engineers play in building and maintaining communities.
Students were able to tour these facilities, observe manufacturing processes firsthand, and learn about the certifications and educational paths needed for careers in the industry. The event concluded with a luncheon and panel discussion at the Collin College Technical Campus, where industry experts discussed the importance of building a strong workforce pipeline.
Allen ISD and the Allen EDC plan to continue this new tradition in the coming years, building on the success of the inaugural event and further strengthening the connection between education and industry within the community.
View the full photo gallery at https://www.flickr.com/photos/allenisd/albums/72177720321070951
