Welcome to
The Institute!
You have a lot of choices when it comes to careers. How do you know which one is right for you? And what is the right path to get there?
We think you should have the opportunity to experience careers in manufacturing first-hand. We offer the Production & Manufacturing Institute as a way to learn about the industry, different careers, skills you need to succeed, and we have a lot of fun along the way!
Business Plan Competition
Looking for the Manufacturing Business Plan Competition? Click Here
What We Do
A Summer Career Exploration
The Manufacturing Institute was created in 2019 to introduce High School students to the world of Manufacturing. Starting with one group of 20 participants, the Institute has grown to several locations each year.
We provide a hands-on, immersive experience to learn about the industry and what it's like to work within a real production environment. You'll be part of a team that designs, makes, and sells products to real customers. Through the process, you'll learn how a manufacturing company operates, what it takes to be successful in different roles, the value of teamwork and leadership, and much more!
Find Your Path
Learn by Doing
The Institute allows participants to learn by doing. You'll design and make products following manufacturing processes to be sold to customers. You'll work with your team to develop a business plan to watch how products go from the start of the business to the end.
You'll also be introduced to other businesses in town that employ several people in manufacturing. You can get to know these companies, what they do, what it takes to work for them, and find out if that's where you want to work. Get to know business leaders first-hand and let them know you want to work for them!
We also take you to the college campus, have you work with industry professionals, and learn skills that will be needed in business and in life. You'll benefit from what you learn no matter your future profession.
What is the Institute?
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SUCCESS
Why Talk About It When You Can Experience It?
The Production and Manufacturing Institute graduated 60 students from 4 locations during its 2023 program. We operated four academies running from Spokane Valley, Newport, Riverside, and Cheney as students manufactured 13 products.
More will come as we report the final numbers and results, but what an amazing group of young adults who showed that they will rise to expectations and exceed boundaries!
PRODUCTS
We aren't selling products now, but check out what they made during the Institute...
Come see our lines of...
CUTTING BOARDS
WOODEN BENCHES
FIRE PITS
CRIBBAGE BOARDS
PLANTER BOXES
BIRDHOUSES
CHESSBOARDS
DECORATIVE BOXES
ACCENT SHELVES
MORE!
Meet the Institute
SPOKANE VALLEY
(East Valley HS)
NEWPORT
(Newport HS)
CHENEY
(Cheney HS)
CHATTAROY
(Riverside HS)
The Program
The Institute is a 3-week intensive program where students experience the full Production and Manufacturing environment. You're part of a production team assigned to design, manufacture, promote, and sell a complete product line. We teach you about business, teams, leadership, product design, production demand, operations, management, and more during the Institute.
You and your team have product quotas to fill - and you compete with others to design, make, and sell them. You'll get the whole experience of what it's like to be in business in manufacturing as a producer, manager, and contributor at different levels. In the end, you not only gain a perspective of what a career in manufacturing can do for you, but you also get high school credit and we pay you a stipend for your time and effort. Of course, t-shirts, freebies, food, fun, and friends.
Read more for the details!
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Sponsors make a difference and allow us to keep the program going.
Thanks to our Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Sponsors
Sponsors
The Institute is a collaboration of employers, educators, and partners committed to helping students explore careers. For those interested in manufacturing, this can be a start.
Learn more about our sponsors...or, please join us in sponsoring this program to grow our ability to reach students and offer a greater impact.
Sponsors make the Institute possible. They are the backbone of the manufacturing industry. Thanks to our supporters for helping us make it happen.
Read more about how you can sponsor the Manufacturing Institute.
Read more about how you can sponsor the Manufacturing Institute.
Click below for more info about the sponsors and the opportunity.
Outcomes
What do we do at the Institute? It's a shorter answer if we list what we don't do when it comes to Manufacturing. Here are just a few of the things we explore through the program...
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Product Design
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Prototyping & Modeling
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Team-Based Approach
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Intro to Manufacturing Processes
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Production Planning & Demand
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Marketing & Sales
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Intro to Welding
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Machining Basics
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Elements of Production Operations
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Quality Control
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Team Leadership
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Applied Materials Planning
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Hands-On Equipment, Tools, Machines
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Full Production Environment
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Field Trips to Local Manufacturers
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Access to Special Scholarship to Valley Chamber Foundation to Eligible Participants
Meet Bryce
Bryce was part of our first Institute. He recently graduated from SCC's welding program and was just hired. The Institute created his interest in welding and started him off in a new career! Watch Bryce share his story by clicking on the video.
Expansion to more locations!!!
We are always looking for ways to innovate. This year is no exception. We are running simultaneous institutes in multiple locations - Spokane Valley, Newport, Cheney, and Chattaroy (Riverside HS). They are part of the same Institute but run as satellite facilities. It's a great way to get more exposure to careers in manufacturing!
LET'S DO THIS!
Ready to explore what's out there?
Stay Tuned for Outcomes
WHY
MANUFACTURING?
Manufacturing is a crucial sector of the economy, and careers in manufacturing can be highly valuable. Here are some reasons to consider a future in manufacturing:
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Job stability: Manufacturing is a stable sector with a steady demand for goods and services, which can lead to a stable job market for workers. As long as people continue to consume goods, manufacturing jobs will always be in demand.
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Good wages and benefits: Manufacturing jobs often come with good pay, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The industry also provides career advancement and on-the-job training.
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Diverse job opportunities: Manufacturing offers many job opportunities, from engineers and technicians to assemblers and machine operators. There are also opportunities for people with different levels of education and skill sets.
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Contributing to the economy: Manufacturing contributes by creating products people need and providing jobs that support families and communities.
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Innovative industry: Manufacturing is constantly evolving, with new technologies and processes being developed to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. This makes it an exciting and innovative field to work in.
Manufacturing Matters!
Consider a career where you can make a difference. The Production and Manufacturing Institute gives you an opportunity to explore the industry.