Riverside students engage at expo event

“The goal is to show students that there are different aspects and lot of jobs in manufacturing.”

Megan Lundblad Marketing and communications assistant, Libra Industries.

Think Manufacturing Expo at Riverside High School created awareness about manufacturing opportunities

The third annual Think Manufacturing Expo brought many students, parents, educators, local manufacturing businesses and schools together.

It took place on Oct. 8 at Riverside High School in Painesville Township.

There were 28 local manufacturers, an IT company and four technical schools that offer training for manufacturing careers, said Karen Tercek, president and CEO of Willoughby Western Lake County Chambers of Commerce.

Presenters set up tables for guests to learn more about manufacturing, ask questions and even participate in demonstrations.

Four individuals in the manufacturing industry led two interactive panel discussions. One was for teachers, counselors and administrators at 3:45 p.m. and the other was for parents and students at 6 p.m.

The four panelists included Wendy Playter, receiving coordinator at Component Repair Technology; Leah Hines, technical program manager at Component Repair Technology; Dan Smyntek, production supervisor at Gear Tec; and Mathew Linville, CNC machinist at Spence Technologies.

“One of my passions is changing how people view manufacturing jobs,” Playter said.

“It’s not repetitive, none of my days are the same and it’s actually fun and exciting.”

Rich Peterson, Board Member of Alliance Working Together Foundation was the discussion coordinator.

“This is a great example of people working in manufacturing,” said Peterson.

“We like to make sure you’re aware of the opportunities in manufacturing to make the students aware,” he said at the end of the panel discussion for the educators.

Attendees included students from schools across Lake County.

“I came last year and I like that there are a lot of the same companies here and some new ones,” said Jacob Brewster, Perry High School senior.

With plans to become a mechanical engineer he has taken classes to prepare such as AP physics, AP calculus and an engineering course.

“The goal is to show students that there are different aspects and lot of jobs in

manufacturing,” said Megan Lundblad, marketing and communications assistant for Libra Industries.

“It’s been a good turnout and there are a lot more people here than what we were expecting,” Lundblad said.

Tawana Roberts/TRoberts@News-Herald.com A student is using a surgical simulator that was built at Astro Manufacturing and Design during the Think Manufacturing Expo on Oct. 8