2012 Manufacturing Summer Camp

The 2nd Annual Manufacturing Summer Camp took place at TMA July 16 – 26, Monday through Thursday, 8:00am – 4:00pm. This yearly two-week program aims to increase the exposure of manufacturing to high school students and recent high school graduates. Manufacturing Summer Camp brings TMA Members and students together to gain a first-hand look at the field of manufacturing. This year’s class was comprised of twenty students, who came from following high schools: Benet Academy, Buffalo Grove High School, Cary-Grove High School, East Aurora High School, Glenbard South High School, Larkin High School, Maine East High School, Maine West High School, McHenry East High School, Metea Valley High School, Northridge Preparatory School, Prosser Career Academy, West Aurora High School, and Wheeling High School.

Throughout the two weeks, students spent one-half of every day in the classroom and the other half of the day touring TMA Member facilities. During the classroom component, students completed online coursework and certification testing through WorkKeys Assessment for National Career Readiness, as well as an MSSC Safety Module. Through the member facility tours, students were introduced to a variety of career options in manufacturing. Students were also able to hear from and speak to a variety of representatives from TMA Member companies during guest speaker appearances over the two weeks. Speakers included Steve Kase (ASK Products, Inc. and Chairman, TMA Board of Directors), Terry Iverson (Iverson & Company), Cliff Mirman (Dept. of Technology Professor & Chair, Northern Illinois University), Steve McKee and Ralph Schultz (Laser Technologies, Inc.), Jim Carr (CARR Machine & Tool, Inc. and Director on the TMA Board), Tim Merrigan (Chucking Machine Products, Inc. and former Chairman), and Paul Zeigenhorn (Matrix Tooling, Inc./Matrix Plastic Products and former Chairman).

TMA would like to thank Acme Refining Scrap Iron & Metal Co. for generously providing transportation for the Summer Camp participants throughout the duration of the two-week program.

TMA also extends thanks to the following sponsors for their kind support of the Summer Camp:

Lastly, TMA would also like to thank the following member companies who also offered facility tours to students: Nu-Way Industries, Rexam Mold Manufacturing, Scot Forge Co., Smith & Richardson, Inc., and Winzeler Gear.

The 2nd Annual TMA Manufacturing Summer Camp was a great success, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s program!

For more information on TMA Training and Registration, visit www.tmanet.com (click on Education) or call the Education Department at 847.825.1120.