CRAWFORD COUNTY — The Crawford Partnership, in collaboration with Richland Manufacturing Coalition (RMC), brought together 387 tenth-grade students from six Crawford County school districts and nine local businesses for Manufacturing Day on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Students from Bucyrus, Buckeye Central, Colonel Crawford, Crestline, Galion, and Wynford participated in workplace tours and conversations with employers to explore manufacturing and skilled careers available in their own communities.
Throughout the day, students connected the careers they explored with training programs available locally, helping them see a clear path from the classroom to the workplace — and a future they could build right here in Crawford County.
“When students can connect a training program with a job they’ve seen firsthand, their next steps become more concrete,” said Crystal Dean, Workforce Development Manager at the Crawford Partnership.
“They can begin to picture how to get there and recognize that building a career doesn’t have to mean leaving their community.”
Participating businesses included Shelter Works, OTC Industrial Technologies, Forge Fire, K&B Tool & Fab, Tramec Sloan, Edgar Trent Construction, IB-Tech, Carter Machine, and Covert Manufacturing.
Students also visited the Crawford Success Center, connecting their workplace experiences with local education and training opportunities.
The event provided employers an opportunity to introduce students to their work, share career possibilities, and connect with Crawford County’s future workforce. Businesses have already expressed interest in participating again next year.
The Crawford Partnership thanks RMC, participating businesses, the Crawford Success Center, school staff, bus drivers, and volunteers for the coordination and support that helped the day run smoothly.
Help shape Crawford County’s future workforce
Local businesses play a vital role in helping students see what’s possible and take their next steps toward a career.
The Crawford Partnership welcomes employers willing to share their expertise, open their doors, and support students through workplace tours, classroom partnerships, job shadowing, and internships.
Businesses interested in exploring ways to get involved are encouraged to contact Crystal Dean at the Crawford Partnership.