• <p>During the tour of Batavia Container Inc., BCI Production Supervisor Andrew Hamilton (right) showed attendees the various type of corrugated packaging solutions that BCI produces … and how it’s done.</p>
  • <p>BHS Guidance Counselor Erin Hack taking in BCI’s massive collection of box designs.</p>
  • <p>Mr. Hamilton showing SME Board Member Jim Schlusemann (left) and BPS101 Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brad Newkirk (right) an intricate custom box that BCI recently created for a client.</p>
  • <p>BHS Assistant Principal Brian Gamlin not only helped plan the manufacturing tour, but also played the role of bus driver. Thanks Mr. Gamlin!</p>
  • <p>(From left) BHS Transition Specialist Kimberly Garcia, BHS College & Career Counselor Angela Molloy, and BHS Freshman Guidance Counselor Alton Rollerson outside wedi corporation’s new manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ill.</p>

October 23, 2018

BPS101 Manufacturing Tour: Going Mobile to Learn About Career Pathways for Students

BPS101 guidance counselors, teachers, and administrators recently took a tour of three local manufacturing companies with Holly Deitchman, president and CEO, Batavia Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Schlusemann, president of Prosperia International and board member of the SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), to learn about manufacturers’ businesses, workforce needs, and career pathways.

During each tour, BPS101 staff members asked about technical and academic skills needed for manufacturing jobs, student internship and job shadowing opportunities, student field trips to manufacturing sites, guest speakers visiting RMS and BHS classrooms, and other opportunities to bring awareness about the manufacturing industry to students.

“We are looking to expose our students to as many career opportunities as possible,” said Dr. Brad Newkirk, BPS101 Chief Academic Officer. “We want our students to find their passions, engage in challenging work, and develop into educated, caring citizens. Any partnership that we can build with local businesses helps drive this important objective. These relationships are invaluable.”

Thank you to Batavia Container Inc., wedi corporation, and Cast Aluminum Solutions for providing tours of their facilities and having a genuine interest in training the next generation of manufacturers!