“With the industries that we have in the Tucker community, it’s great for our students to get connected now so that they can have a pipeline program into college or any post-secondary option,” said Dr. Eric Parker, Tucker High School Principal.

That’s the big takeaway that school leaders, city officials, and manufacturing companies wanted students to understand during this week’s Manufacturing Day hosted by the City of Tucker at the school. It’s all an interactive way of helping tomorrow’s workforce better understand the local, high-paying, readily available career opportunities right here at home.

Organizers celebrated and supported the city’s manufacturing sector by sharing numerous examples of what manufacturing is today. Nearly 20 local companies and technical colleges had informational booths sharing information. A panel of experts discussed their journeys in the manufacturing industry and fielded questions from the audience.

Topics included Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, “Inside a Manufacturing Plant”—a peak at how manufacturing plants work, and Green Manufacturing—highlighting manufacturers and recyclers focused on reuse and green practices.

Tucker Mayor Frank Auman said the city is always grateful for its partnership with Tucker High School and how it operates to maintain a ready workforce pipeline.

“When we know the school and the school knows us and the businesses, and we have those relationships, that’s what keeps people [in the city] coming back. Generational families have long been the strength of Tucker,” he said.

Dr. Parker said Manufacturing Day is significant for the students in making crucial connections between their education today and future career prospects. In particular, he noted how opportunities in manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and technology need students who are now grasping the concepts they are learning in the classroom.

More than simply a great learning experience, Manufacturing Day also serves as a great networking opportunity because many attending businesses offer jobs, internships, and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Dr. Parker smiles broadly when he shares his vision for these burgeoning partnerships.

“We really want Tucker High School to be an employment hub for this sector of metro Atlanta.”

To that end, events like Manufacturing Day are creating just that.