Education

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), the largest and longest-running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States, was held September 9–14, at McCormick Place in Chicago. This biennial event is a premier opportunity for industry leaders to explore cutting-edge innovations, engage in professional networking, and participate in a variety of educational workshops.

GCAMP, the Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, has been excited to read all of the news regarding the manufacturing industry in Illinois, and we are eager to share some of the highlights with you.

Manufacturing in Illinois is a ‘high-growth industry’ specifically in:[1]

Why should you conduct tours?

April’s Workforce Strategies Forum centered on helping companies improve their process for hosting student tours.  The forum featured two guest speakers: Katie Sudler of McCormick FONA and Ron Brown of Smith and Richardson Inc., both of whom are famous in our local manufacturing community for consistently wowing students with their facility tours.

It's Manufacturing Month!  Back in the day, it was just called “Manufacturing Day.” But thank goodness someone had the good sense to capture the entire month – because there is NO WAY we could fit all of this into one day in the year!

Along with everyone else, manufacturing companies were forced to pivot during the pandemic. In order to survive, they made tough decisions and found new ways to do business. In many cases, the solutions they found worked well and are now their preferred way of business. That mentality of problem-solving and finding new approaches should be applied to adapt training, manufacturing programs, and internships.

Here at GCAMP, we're constantly promoting the value of internships and apprenticeships as mutually beneficial endeavors. It's easy to understand why they work, but it never gets old hearing real-world success stories about how this arrangement can have a profound effect on the next generation of manufacturers. This month we're pleased to spotlight Quinn Robinson's story.