WHITEHALL, MI – If you’re a manufacturer in the White Lake area, your involvement is crucial in connecting industry needs with education. Whitehall High School, the Michigan Manufacturing Association (MMA), and CatchMark are collaborating to host an engagement session on March 17th at 3 PM at CatchMark, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen workforce development and align educational programs with real-world manufacturing demands.
This pivotal event will bring together educators, industry leaders, and local stakeholders to discuss how best to prepare students for careers in modern manufacturing. With evolving technologies and workforce demands, ensuring that education aligns with industry needs is more crucial than ever.
Manufacturing Event Agenda
The session will focus on several key areas, including:
✅ An overview of current and future manufacturing talent needs
✅ Discussion on potential curriculum updates to better prepare students for the workforce
✅ Opportunities for increased manufacturing involvement at the high school level
✅ Strengthening the community/school partnership for long-term success
What is SME PRIME, and Why Does it Matter?
Whitehall High School is proud to be an SME PRIME school, a designation that places it at the forefront of manufacturing-focused education.
SME PRIME (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) is a program developed by the SME Education Foundation to equip high school students with industry-relevant skills through hands-on training, modern equipment, and direct partnerships with manufacturers. The program is tailored to meet local industry needs, ensuring students gain the knowledge and experience necessary to transition into manufacturing careers seamlessly.
For students, SME PRIME provides:
🔹 Access to cutting-edge technology – Hands-on experience with tools and equipment used in today’s manufacturing industry
🔹 Industry-aligned curriculum – Training in areas like CNC machining, metrology, welding, robotics, and automation
🔹 Career readiness – Exposure to real-world challenges, internships, and job opportunities with local manufacturers
For manufacturers, SME PRIME helps by:
🔹 Developing a skilled talent pipeline – Ensuring graduates have the skills needed to fill in-demand positions
🔹 Reducing workforce shortages – Providing trained, job-ready candidates to meet growing labor demands
🔹 Strengthening industry-education partnerships – Allowing companies to have a direct hand in shaping curriculum and training programs
Why This Manufacturing Event Matters
With Whitehall High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and its SME PRIME designation, there is a tremendous opportunity to build stronger connections between students and employers. By collaborating with local manufacturers, the school can continue to refine its programs to ensure students graduate ready to succeed in the workforce.
“Building stronger partnerships between education and manufacturing is essential to developing a sustainable talent pipeline,” said [Insert Quote from Event Organizer or School Representative]. “This engagement session is a step toward ensuring that students graduate with the skills and experiences that align with real-world job opportunities.”
Join the Conversation
The success of this initiative depends on community involvement. Manufacturers, educators, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and share their insights to help shape the future of workforce development.
📅 Event Date: March 17, 2024
📍 Location: CatchMark, Whitehall, MI
📩 RSVP by March 14 to Laura Preuss at preuss@mimfg.org
By working together, we can build a thriving manufacturing ecosystem that benefits both students and local industries. We look forward to seeing you there!
