Friday, Oct. 3, was Manufacturing Day in Macomb County. In honor of this day, assistant principal Dan Crow and business teacher Scott Trice took select students to Midwest Mold, a plastic mold shop in Roseville. Students were chosen to go on this field trip by teachers in classes that could relate to the machine trade. Although it was the first time they had high school students tour their shop, the employees at Midwest Mold were well-prepared for the visit.

Students were split into smaller groups, each led by an experienced employee, and given a tour of the shop. Before entering the machine area, students were given safety glasses to wear. Students were shown different types of machinery, and finished products. Each employee gave an explanation of the job they perform, and how long it took them to get there. They also explained that they had not been in the same job since they started out in the business.

Along with the tour, employees gave students valuable advice. Most, if not all employees, emphasized the importance to stay in school, and get a college education.

“The more education you’ve got, the less your hands get dirty,” Computer Numerically Controlled/Electric Discharge Machine Team Leader Mark Criger said.

Criger, being in the business for many years, also informed students of the many jobs that a small shop has. He also stated that the demand for shop employees has increased. Midwest Mold makes about eight million dollars a year alone.

“There are about 20 different trades or employment opportunities just in one little shop,” Criger said. “The opportunity in this industry is huge.”

Outside of the shop students were shown the design department. This area consisted of computers where employees made 3D models of the parts they produce. These diagrams help employees see what a finished part would look like.

With the help of computers, the designing of parts has accelerated. Prior to computers, employees at Midwest Mold agreed it was more difficult, and a longer process.

“We used to have to draw each thing in manually,” Engineering Manager Gary Verrier said. “Computers have made it immensely easier.”

Roseville Community Schools prides itself on providing many CTE programs for its students. It is through the cooperation of local businesses that much of that is possible. Students were shown the many different jobs and opportunities that relate to their interests in high school at Midwest Mold. They were able to view the inside of a shop and how it functions.

“My goal is for CTE students to be aware of the variety of careers out in the real world that a CTE class could be the key to. Too many auto shop students think they can only work on cars,” assistant principal Dan Crow said.