At OGS Industries, we believe in the power of hands-on learning and the importance of giving back to our community. That’s why we were thrilled to host two educational field trips for local junior high school students in October and September of 2024. These field trips, designed to expose young minds to real-world manufacturing and metal fabrication in Ohio, provided students from Kent Roosevelt and Stow Junior High Schools the opportunity to explore our facilities and engage with our team of experts. By showcasing our capabilities and discussing career opportunities in manufacturing, we aim to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers, and skilled tradespeople.
As a company deeply rooted in both advanced manufacturing and community engagement, we’re proud to support education programs that focus on the fields of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Technologies, and Industrial Maintenance. The students who visited us as part of the Six District Compact programs were not only able to tour our manufacturing locations, but also to see first-hand how critical these fields are to the future of industries like aerospace, automotive, and beyond.
Welcoming the Students
Stow Junior High School Students – September 26, 2024
On September 26th, we were excited to welcome students from Stow Junior High School, who are part of the Six District Compact’s Industrial Maintenance and Production for Employment program. Unlike the CAD-focused program of the Kent Roosevelt students (more on that in a minute), the Stow students had a more hands-on and practical learning experience. The aim was to align the experience with the skills required in the manufacturing and maintenance sectors.
During their visit, the students toured various departments of OGS, focusing on the essential role industrial maintenance plays in keeping manufacturing operations running smoothly. Our team highlighted how maintaining and repairing equipment is vital for production efficiency, safety, and quality control. The students also had the chance to observe the intricate work required to maintain the machines that create precision metal parts for industries like aerospace and automotive.
Visit from Kent Roosevelt Students – October 4, 2024
On October 4th, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of incredible students from Kent Roosevelt Junior High School. These students are enrolled in the Six District Compact’s Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Engineering Technologies (STEM) program, a curriculum that introduces young learners to the world of engineering and digital design.
During their visit, the students were given a comprehensive tour of OGS Industries’ manufacturing facilities, during which they had the opportunity to see some of our state-of-the-art equipment in action, including advanced CNC machines, Swiss machining technology, and assembly lines. This hands-on experience was designed to help them understand how the skills they are learning in their CAD and engineering courses translate into real-world manufacturing processes.
Learning Opportunities and Hands-On Exposure to Metal Fabrication in Ohio
Insights from the OGS Experts
During the field trips, students were given the unique opportunity to hear directly from OGS’s team of experienced professionals, including some of our skilled machinists, engineers, and industrial maintenance specialists. Our team was happy to share insights about their respective roles in the manufacturing process with the students.
Students also had the chance to engage in open discussions with our team to learn more about the wide range of careers available in the manufacturing industry. Whether it’s precision machining, industrial maintenance, or engineering, our experts helped paint a clear picture of the diverse opportunities available. Key topics of discussion included the importance of technical skills, problem-solving in real-world manufacturing scenarios, and the pathways that lead to careers in these fields.
These interactions were not just meant to be informative but inspiring, as many of the students were able to see how their interests in STEM could evolve into fulfilling careers. This hands-on learning experience gave students a firsthand look at how the theories and concepts they are learning in the classroom can be applied in a professional setting, further reinforcing their commitment to their studies.
Job Shadowing and Co-Op Programs
In addition to the field trips, OGS offers an exciting job-shadowing program that gives students the chance to spend time alongside our experienced employees, gaining direct, hands-on exposure to the day-to-day operations in our manufacturing facilities. This program is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of how their classroom knowledge translates into real-world applications, offering a practical learning experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures.
The job-shadowing initiative is a crucial part of our commitment to workforce development. By offering students a close-up view of careers in machining, maintenance, and other manufacturing roles, we help them develop the skills needed for success in these fields. Through this program, students are not only able to observe but also engage in tasks that foster their technical abilities and problem-solving skills, laying the foundation for future employment.
The Apprenticeship Program: A Gateway to a Career in Metal Fabrication in Ohio
OGS’s New Apprenticeship Tool & Die Program
As part of our initiative to support the future of the manufacturing workforce, OGS is proud to announce the launch of our accredited Apprenticeship Tool & Die program in partnership with Stark State College. This initiative is designed to offer both current OGS employees and potential future hires from local education programs an opportunity to further their professional development through specialized training.
Our Tool & Die program will provide a structured pathway for employees to gain advanced skills in precision tool-making, enhance their technical expertise, and advance their careers within OGS. For students in the Six District Compact Program, this apprenticeship could serve as a springboard into the highly skilled world of tool and die manufacturing, a critical aspect of the aerospace, automotive, and medical device industries that OGS serves.
Future Plans for Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeships
We’re also in the planning stages of launching an Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, which will provide even more opportunities for students from the Six District Program. This program will focus on training students in the essential skills needed for industrial maintenance, a field that is in high demand across the manufacturing sector.
Our Commitment to the Future of Metal Fabrication in Ohio
Early exposure to manufacturing careers is crucial in shaping the future workforce, especially in industries that require advanced skills like those found in CAD, engineering technologies, and industrial maintenance. By offering students opportunities for hands-on learning through field trips, job-shadowing, and apprenticeship programs, OGS aims to to bridge the gap between education and the demands of the modern manufacturing industry.
If your school or organization is interested in organizing a similar field trip, job-shadowing, or apprenticeship opportunity, OGS would love to hear from you. We invite you to contact us directly to learn more about these opportunities!
