Despite the gloomy weather, Rhode Island's next generation of makers gathered at Farm Fresh Rhode Island on October 8th for the fourth annual Manufacturing Day Career Exploration Experience, hosted by Polaris MEP. More than 550 students from 26 local high schools were registered to see first-hand the innovation, technology, and opportunities available in today’s manufacturing sector.





Held as part of Manufacturing Month, the event welcomed students from grades 10 through 12 for a “taste test” of manufacturing careers. Throughout the venue, students rotated through hands-on activity stations that included:

• Exploring a scale-model submarine
• Operating a robotic dog
• Reverse engineering a part using 3D scanning technology
• Using a welding simulator
• Solving puzzles with Lean thinking
• Watching a cobot play a game of chess

Polaris MEP designed the event to spark students’ curiosity and dispel outdated perceptions about career pathways in manufacturing—a sector vital to Rhode Island's economy and future. The program was sponsored by General Dynamics Electric Boat, Nautilus Defense, New England Institute of Technology (NEIT), and Nordson EFD.

Impact

Pre- and post-event surveys consistently reveal that the Manufacturing Day experience has a strong positive effect on students’ awareness of, and interest in, the manufacturing sector. Last year, students reported significant increases in the percentage of students who view manufacturing as offering rewarding, creative careers with room for advancement.

"Seeing so many students engaged and excited about manufacturing, even on a rainy day, proves the incredible potential of Rhode Island’s future workforce," said Matt Watson, Polaris MEP Center Director. "Today’s manufacturers offer high-tech, high-paying jobs, and events like these open the door for students to envision themselves as part of that future."

Community Involvement

More than a dozen local manufacturers, including FMI Textiles, Mahr Inc, Neocorp, Senesco Marine, and Worthington Enterprises - Amtrol, joined Polaris MEP to share their expertise at interactive demonstration stations, showcasing the mix of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving that are hallmarks of modern manufacturing. Training and support service organizations were also present.

About Polaris MEP

Polaris MEP is Rhode Island’s statewide non-profit Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center. Mission-driven, it helps manufacturers achieve operational excellence and grow by expanding opportunities across the Ocean State.