McWane Ductile part of Manufacturing Day for students

McWane Ductile hosted about 150 students from area high schools March 23 as part of a Manufacturing Day event. The activity was designed to educate students regarding career choices.The students went on a tour of McWane’s facility and foundry so they can see what the process is from beginning to end.

“We’re excited to open our doors and give students a firsthand look at what makes McWane unique," said Tom Crawford, VP/GM at McWane. "Beyond the experience, we want the students to see the real career opportunities available here. We offer some of the most competitive wages in the Coshocton area, along with clear pathways to grow from hourly roles into salaried positions. We’re especially interested in students pursuing electrical and other skilled trades who are looking to build a career close to home. We are also actively hiring for entry-level production roles, and it’s been encouraging to hear that many students already have family connections to McWane. That speaks to the strength of our workforce and community.”

Ridgewood High School student Taven Dotson said. "We got to see how it all functions and how everything goes about. When you look at pipes, you don't really know how they are created. Seeing all these different processes is very interesting. I want to go to college and become an electrical engineer and get my degree, so a place like this is one of the No. 1 opportunities that I endeavor, especially like internship-wise and summers from college.

"I would definitely be interested in doing internships and even a lifelong career at a place like this. At McWane everyone was smiling. We would go into different sections. There was the painting section; they were working and yelling at each other and laughing. So even in all the heat in this environment, people still find a way to enjoy their work, and that was something I noticed."

Mobius Williams, who attends the Coshocton County Career Center, said, "I think it looks like a lot to do, but once you get the hang of it, I could do the job. I think it's a good job, and it pays very well, and I want to get a job ASAP. I want to be a park ranger or, if not, a veterinarian."

Halle Wright is a student at the career center. "I thought it was pretty cool, and I think it is really hard work, but if it's something you are able to do — I don't think it's for everybody, definitely not for me, though — it is a good-paying job. I want to be a vet-tech after school," Wright said.

Each year the Coshocton CARES advisors from each of the county high schools plan, organize, and fund this event, including lunch for students and factory personnel guides. Cleveland Cliffs, also provided tours to students.