The Production & Manufacturing Institute
Manufacturing Institute
Program Details
Here's How It Works
Choose the 1-Week or 3-Week Program Option
Program Summary
If you want to explore the trades as a career path, this is your chance.
This year, we offer two options...
Previously, we only had one option for high school students. This year, we have either the shorter one-week or full three-week experiences. Read the details for each program below. Then choose.
OPTION 1:
1-Week Micro-Institute
The first week of the Institute delivers a team approach to learning, engagement, and exploration of the trades. You'll learn tools, design, operations, and manufacturing principles. We'll visit other companies, hear from executives, work with professionals, and experience several careers. You'll design, make, and plan the production of products to sell to customers. By week's end, you'll gain exposure to business operations and know what goes into many manufacturing careers.
OPTION 2:
3-Week Manufacturing Institute
Participants will move into full production after completing Week 1 (see above). Your team will manufacture products as you make and sell products for customers. You'll learn about operations, work through challenges, manage quality, use tools, and build products as a team and company. You'll gain leadership experience and critical thinking skills vital to your career. You'll also be eligible for incentives, prizes, and (as available) elective high school credit.
(Successful completion of Week 1 is required to continue to Weeks 2 and 3.)
Week 1 Details
Classes are held at Spokane Colleges.
The first week will be held at Spokane Community College. All participants from regional locations will attend the first week in Spokane. Distant locations will attend locally. Bussing will be made available, and information will be provided to attendees.
Students must attend all sessions on time and be prepared for class (including those at SCC). The curriculum will include (but isn't limited to):
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Intro to Welding
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Intro to Machining
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Overview of Operations
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Quality Management
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Intro to Tools, Power Tools
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Safety Training
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Best Practices in Manufacturing
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Addresses from Top Business Leaders
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Interactions from Industry Professionals
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Team Engagement
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Interaction with Faculty
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Live Projects for Hands-On Application
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Experience to Prepare for Careers
Students may select either the 1-Week Program (above) or the 3-Week Program (below).
Should you decide after Week 1 to continue, additional enrollment is subject to space availability, successful completion of Week 1, and tuition payment.
Weeks 2 & 3 Details
Classes are held at Local Sites.
Several high school locations will hold the practicum programs onsite. They act as remote manufacturing locations and host about 20 students each.
Students must attend all sessions on time and be prepared for class (including those at SCC). Curriculum will include (but isn't limited to):
-
Intro to Welding
-
Intro to Machining
-
Overview of Operations
-
Quality Management
-
Intro to Tools, Power Tools
-
Safety Training
-
Best Practices in Manufacturing
-
Addresses from Top Business Leaders
-
Interactions from Industry Professionals
-
Team Engagement
-
Interaction with Faculty
-
Live Projects for Hands-On Application
-
Experience to Prepare for Careers
Students may select Week 1 Only. Should they decide after Week 1 to continue, additional enrollment is subject to space availability., successful completion of Week 1, and fee payment
Superintendent Kyle Rydell of West Valley SD visits with Drea about their firepit project using the CNC plasma cutter.
Michael and his team created a production process using Kreg jigs to manufacture patio benches as a product line.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
You don't need to have technical skills to join us. Part of the experience is to gain exposure to tools, techniques, and processes to see if it's of interest.
We won't make you a master technician or welder in 3 weeks. However, we will introduce you to MANY hand tools, power tools, and manufacturing skills.
You'll learn the essentials of production operations, quality, profitability, and more. Each product is different, so some gain specific expertise, but everyone gains new technical skills no matter their experience.
NETWORKING
You gain access.
The best opportunities come to those who take advantage of meeting industry leaders, executives, and professionals. You'll gain tips from the pros on careers and how to prepare for them.
Many Institute grads have gone to work for our sponsor employers as interns or full-time employees!
It's often as important WHO you know as WHAT you know. We give you exposure to the people and places you can start your future!
Students visit the community college and other sites to experience career pathways and opportunities.
Participants visit several employer sites to see manufacturing in practice and learn about many careers available to them.
PATHWAY PREPARATION
Participants learn about multiple pathways to pursue post-graduation career options. We show them steps to pursue:
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4-year university options
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2-year college degrees
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1-year college certificates
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Registered apprenticeships
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Industry recognized credentials
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Military
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Direct-to-work
No matter their choice, there are ways to get ready and achieve success.
Download Our Guide!
Check out our new booklet - "Experience Manufacturing." It outlines the Institute, its background, the program's impact, and how we plan to grow. This 28-page guide shares more details about where we've been and where we're going to help better prepare high school graduates for their future.