As individual states compete within the US and countries around the world attempt to outpace each other with 3D printing and advanced manufacturing skills, an increasing number of state and national initiatives are being launched to increase those skills throughout their accompanying regions. For three years running, Connecticut. Dream It. Do It., administered by Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), has been hosting it’s Manufacturing Month, meant to teach Connecticut residents about the latest progress made in manufacturing and the possible job opportunities in the field.
This year, as a part of the program, 500 middle schoolers will be engaged in Manufacturing Mania, a series of invitation-only events being held at various locations throughout the state to teach young people about future careers in manufacturing. This year’s Manufacturing Mania will be hosted on October 3, National Manufacturing Day, at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington, as well as at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport on October 16 and 17. At the events, students will be introduced to the various stages of productions, including 3D printing, and will explore manufacturing through hands-on team-based activities.
Director of education & workforce development for CCAT, Sue Palisano, says of the event, “Since 2012, more than 900 students have participated in Manufacturing Mania. These unique, interactive events give hundreds of middle school boys and girls a chance to learn what it takes to manufacture a product and how Connecticut-made products impact lives every day.” For footage of last year’s Manufacturing Mania, watch the video below:
Outside of the mania-inspiring event, Manufacturing Month will also see local production facilities give tours of their facilities, colleges and technical schools hosting open houses, and organizations like the Aerospace Components Manufacturers and the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund put on expos. All a perfect Manufacturing Month run up to Halloween, in which children learn to manufacture skulls out of sugar, jack-o-lanterns out of pumpkins, and costumes out of their parents’ money.
