Keith DeVries, Director of the Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Technology (DoD ManTech) program, celebrated Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) at Allison Transmission in Indianapolis. MFG Day, observed annually on the first Friday in October and throughout the month is a nationwide initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation of manufacturers and addressing the skilled labor shortage. DeVries collaborated with the counseling staff of Bloomington High School South (BHSS), Allison Transmission, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to introduce students to the diverse career paths in the manufacturing industry.
Twenty students from Bloomington High School-South participated in the event, where they explored career opportunities, learned about automatic transmission design, and toured the plant’s manufacturing floor. Student volunteers also had the opportunity to assemble internal transmission components in Allison’s training lab to get a hands-on experience with the transmissions they were observing on the manufacturing floor. The visit offered an in-depth look at how Allison Transmission produces critical components that support both civil and defense communities.
“What better way to invest in the future of American manufacturing than by engaging with the next generation on Manufacturing Day,” asked DeVries. “These activities align perfectly with our mission to advocate for manufacturers in local communities and support the Department’s goal of strengthening the educational pipeline. National Manufacturing Day is a key step toward developing a next-generation workforce, which is vital to ensuring our long-term economic security and maintaining our defense capabilities.”
DoD ManTech facilitates the Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Education and Workforce Development (M-EWD) program, which seeks to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing workforce by providing educational resources, skills training, and workforce development opportunities across the nation. The program plays a key role in preparing the next generation of talent for careers in advanced manufacturing, which is essential for both national security and economic growth.
To find a Manufacturing Month event near you, visit MFGDay.com, where you can explore local opportunities to engage with industry leaders and discover more about the critical role of manufacturing in the U.S.