SCHAUMBURG, IL – Hundreds of machining projects made by Chicago area high school students were on display Thursday night at Mazak Corporation's Midwest Technology Center where the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) held its annual Precision Machining Competition. Parents, instructors and company representatives were on hand as students learned how their work rated in comparison to their peers and explored possible job opportunities with area manufacturers.
"Every society's wealth and success comes from three things: 1) what they mine, 2) what they grow, and 3) what they make. Today, all of you are 'makers,'" TMA President Steve Rauschenberger told the students. "I represent 700 companies from the surrounding seven counties that have opportunities for you if you're interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing."
Manufacturers are eager to find talented young people interested in careers in an industry that is enjoying newfound attention. This year's TMA competition drew the interest of a record-high 19 area high schools with nearly 300 machining projects, up from 89 five years ago.
Area manufacturers volunteered their professional technicians to judge the submissions. Forty-three different winners were awarded for their excellent work in machining projects such as precision vices, depth gauges, CNC turning, CNC milling and CNC programming.
"These students are the future of American manufacturing, and we're delighted that not only is the interest growing in this career, so is the quality of the work these students are submitting. This year we had four submissions that were graded at the highest level – perfect," said Patrick Osborne, Vice President of TMA Training & Education. "That says a lot about the seriousness of the students and their instructors. We congratulate them all."
High schools that participated in this year's competition include: East Leyden, Elk Grove, Hampshire, Harvard, Homewood-Flossmoor, Jefferson, John Hersey, Lake Park, McHenry East & West, Palatine, Rich East, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, South Elgin, Streamwood, West Leyden, Wheeling and Woodstock.
