Learn About Manufacturing from Young Professionals
Students have more options than ever, and making a decision on career directions can be stressful. Our Manufacturing Navigator program helps students understand twenty-first century manufacturing careers and how they can contribute to the growth of the digital age and Industry 4.0. Our Navigators are young, but experienced manufacturing professionals who will come to your classroom to share their personal experience and unique perspectives on today’s manufacturing.
Guiding Students Through the Industry
Often overlooked or underdiscussed, manufacturing is one of the largest and fastest growing fields because it is at the center of some of the most innovative products and practices today. Manufacturers work with robotics, data, artificial intelligence, programming, and much more. Students often are unaware of the various opportunities within the industry. Educating students and providing them with industry awareness, job outlook, daily activities, and first-hand accounts allows students to realize their potential to prosper in the manufacturing industry.
Who are Navigators?
Navigators are manufacturing industry ambassadors dedicated to increasing industry awareness. Our Navigators use their personal, educational, and professional experience to tell the story of careers in manufacturing, explain the journey to becoming a successful manufacturing professional, and offer increased visibility inside a manufacturers daily life.
Our Manufacturing Navigators program is a year long engagement with young professionals. Below you will see the stories of 10 wonderful individuals that will be sharing their personal experiences and knowledge with students through 2023.
Ethan Birth
Machinist Aprentice
Global SFC Valve, Inc.
Lauren Morlacci
Continuous Improvement Manager
L&S Machine Company
Dylan Archinal
Accountant
MetPlas, Inc.
Amber Wharrey
HR & Safety Administrator
JV Manufacturing
Eric Stewart
Supervisor I, Manufacturing Services
ZOLL Life Vest
Erika Hill
Staff Manufacturing Systems Specialist
ZOLL Manufacturing Service
Dane Eddy
CNC Machinist and Programmer
MetPlas, Inc.
Jessi Kadlecik
Finishing Lead
5 Generation Bakers
Paul Miller
Sales Engineer
CASCO USA
Charles Kammerer
Technical Operations Project Manager
C4 Therapeutics
How do I get a Navigator to interact with my students?
Navigators will be participating in various events and panel discussions throughout their year in the program. We will be posting about the upcoming events in our blog and on our social media accounts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
Contact Hannah Kusenko hkusenko@catalystconnection.org if you are interested in having a Navigator speak in your classroom.
Past Manufacturing Navigators
Below you will see our inaugural class of Manufacturing Navigators from 20-21. These 8 individuals had a great year working with students. Read their awesome stories below!
Amber Nolf
Corporate Development Specialist
SMS Group
Jonathan Donath
Quality Engineer
MSA, The Safety Company
She'Cholle Winmon
Lab Assistant
RE2, Inc.
Ryan Kozikowski
Coil Winder
BRUSH Americas
Kendra Slis
Inside Sales Engineer
MECCO
Zac McConnell
Systems Tester
Prominent Fluid Controls
Genna Mucci
Executive Assistant
J.V. Manufacturing
Jacob Curley
Assembly Technician
MECCO
Learn More About the Program:
IMT Pre-Apprenticeship Overview Video is here!
Thank you to Jenny from IU1, Randy from Nazareth Prep, and Tim from Blackhawk High School for participating in the creation of this video. Also, major thank you to Paul Ruggieri for creating this wonderful video for us! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boEPi-GmFqE If...