The Production & Manufacturing Institute
Don't just talk about manufacturing...LIVE IT!
Building Tomorrow's Workforce
If you're ready to EXPLORE a career in manufacturing...
this is your chance!
Hands-On Career Path Preparation
Each summer, several employers, schools, and community partners sponsor the Institute. Our goal is to expose students and parents to the fantastic world of career paths in the trades.
We Do Cool Stuff!
There's no other way to say it! We offer a unique program. It simulates the production experience and provides students with a chance to "try it out." We know what opportunities exist - good careers, good pay and benefits, and more. We want you to come see for yourself!
We Cover the Spectrum
This experience exposes students to careers in engineering, welding, machining, quality, production, management, and so much more!
Get Workforce Ready
Have you wanted to try out new jobs to see what they're like? Now's your chance. The Institute gives you an opportunity to experience manufacturing for yourself.
Not Just Another Summer Program
This is different from anything you've EVER done before!
We Help You Explore Your Future
You have many choices for your future pathway. We want you to enjoy a career that can support your goals. But you'll never know what's out there until you try new things.
You Get to DO Manufacturing
We believe the best way for you to know if you like a career is to try it. The Institute places you in a live setting as you work with a team to design, manufacture, and sell products while exploring businesses and careers in manufacturing.
Learn by Doing
Most of our time is spent rolling our sleeves and doing the work.
SCC
Manufacturing Camp
Summer program for students ages 11-14.
Spokane Community College also offers a program catered to middle school students. It's a great way to start.
More Information Here
Check out a few pictures and events from our last Institute.
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What Is it?
The Institute is a summer program offered by manufacturers through a partnership with schools and local agencies to provide students with real exposure to careers. We offer a variety of programs that allow students to look into careers in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and other trades firsthand.
It doesn't matter if you don't know what you want to do. That's the point. We want those who are still looking, deciding, and want to try things out.
Now in its 6th year, PMI offers different programs in several locations. It's not a "camp" to come and be entertained. We expect a lot, we give a lot, and our graduates get a lot.
Manufacturing Institute Graduation
Congratulations to the PMI Class of 2024!
Our graduation ceremony for this year's PMI grads was on Friday, July 26, East Valley High School. We celebrated the amazing outcomes of the 3-week program and all these learners accomplished.
As a reward, graduates received a $500 stipend, a DeWalt mechanics tool kit, and lots of prizes earned throughout the program. More info will be available soon on our Picture page.
What is the Institute?
Teachers, Counselors, Businesses
Check out this video that provides an overview of what we do, why we do it, and our overall vision.
Click to Learn How to Support the Institute
Trades Week
MEET OUR FIRST GRADUATES!!
We just finished our first Trades Week for Middle and early High School students. Our goal was to introduce them to using tools and developing core skills that can expose them to the trades. While most did not have any experience with tools or skills at the start, all of them gained new talents by the end.
Congratulations to the Trades Week Class of 2024!
Check Out Cool Careers!
The Institute is Highlighted in Jan-Feb Let's Go Aerospace!!
Participants EXPERIENCE what it's like to go into several careers and industries within aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Read Wade's recommendations to start your journey and prepare for your future. It's never too early, and it's never too late!
Get started today!
Outcomes
What do we do at the Institute?
It's a shorter answer if we list what we don't do. Here are just a few of the things we explore through the program...
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Product Design
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Intro to 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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Introduction to Machining Careers
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Elements of Production Operations
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Quality & Customer Expectations
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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 from Spokane Valley Chamber Foundation for Eligible Participants
What is the Institute?
Students, Parents, Teachers
Check out this video that provides an overview of the program from previous participants.
Click Here to Learn More
What is the Institute?
Students, Parents, Teachers
Check out this video that provides an overview of the program from previous participants.
Click Here to Learn More
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Want to Donate?
We Appreciate Your Support
The Institute operates by donations. Our goal is to create enough support to go beyond the summer programs and provide year-round opportunities. We envision micro-academies, middle school programs, and other youth workforce development efforts.
Non-profit donations are made through the Spokane Workforce Council. This helps us direct your contributions directly to the program.
If you're an individual, you can follow this link:
Company donations can be made through direct arrangements. Please email us for additional information or read more on the Sponsorship page. Thanks for your support!
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.
Greater Together
Check out our promo video in collaboration with Greater Spokane Inc. (GSI). This is a quick overview of what we do.
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Sponsors make a difference and allow us to keep the program going.
Thanks to our Gold/Diamond Sponsors
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Thanks to our Silver Sponsors
The Krumble Foundation
Max Spalding
Thanks to our Bronze Sponsors
Thanks to our Supporting Sponsors
Machining Project made by students on visit to Spokane Community College during "Machining Day."
WHY
MANUFACTURING?
Manufacturing is an important part of the economy. There are many career tracks in production, engineering, business, leadership, support, technical, and other areas.
Here are some reasons to consider manufacturing:
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Job stability: Manufacturing has a steady demand for goods and services. As long as people continue to buy things, manufacturing jobs will always be in demand.
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Good wages and benefits: Manufacturing offers good pay, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Companies provide training and promotions.
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Diverse job opportunities: Manufacturing offers many opportunities, from engineers and technicians to assemblers and machine operators. There are many opportunities for different levels of education and skill.
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Innovation: Manufacturing constantly evolves, with new technologies developed that improve efficiency and quality. It's an exciting and innovative field.
Manufacturing Matters!
Consider a career where you can make a difference. The Production and Manufacturing Institute allows you to explore the industry first-hand.
Join the Movement
Want to be a part of this movement to get kids interested in the trades?
We know youth rise to our expectations and the support we give. Join us in giving them opportunities to succeed.
Contact us today!
Production & Manufacturing Institute
Career Explore ● Prepare ● Launch
Manufacturing Pathways
Production ● Engineering ● Trades ● Construction
THANKS TO OUR GRANT SPONSORS!
The 2024 Institute is partially funded by Career Connect Washington's Program Builder program grant. This allows us to work "behind the scenes" to expand the program to more locations, schools, and students. We aim to create a "franchise model" that can be used anywhere in any industry. We have been making different adjustments to our already successful program to expand it and make it even better.
Special thanks to our East Valley School District partners, who help us manage the grant and try out new approaches. We have used EVSD as the program's "headquarters" each year. Their willingness to innovate has created the foundational approach to our success.
Stevens Amendment Funding Disclosure Requirement
The Production & Manufacturing Institute receives support and funding from a U.S. Department of Labor and Career Connect Washington Program Builder (Round 10) grants. Approximately $124,500 is financed by federal allocations during 2023-24 program years, with additional program, materials, and overhead funding received from private contributions. Read more about USDOL grant funding at esd.wa.gov/usdol.
The Career Connect Washington Program Builder Grant is funded through a USDOL Grant. To learn more about funding, follow this QR code.