Manufacturing Day 2026
Manufacturing Day 2026: Exploring Careers Close to Home!
Manufacturing plays a vital role in northwest Illinois, providing rewarding careers, driving innovation, and strengthening our local economy. On October 16, CareerTEC's 12th annual Manufacturing Day gave area high school students a firsthand look at the opportunities available right here in our region!
With 111 students registered, the day began with tours of seven local manufacturers: Adkins Energy, Anchor Harvey, Danfoss, Honeywell, Seaga, Tri Star Metals, and Zurn Elkay.
Students then visited Highland Community College, which hosted the event, for an Employer Expo and opportunities to explore CNC machining, welding, and other manufacturing careers.
The Employer Expo connected students with representatives from area businesses and organizations, including Adkins Energy, Anchor Harvey, Berner Food & Beverage, Colony Brands, Danfoss, Danlee Wood Products, Electroform, Furst Staffing, Honeywell, Protocutter, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Snak King, Titan International, and Zurn Elkay.
Colleen Jackson, Senior Plant Director at Honeywell Technologies in Freeport, delivered the closing presentation, sharing her perspective on the manufacturing industry.
Students from Dakota, Durand, Freeport, Orangeville, Pearl City, and Pecatonica high schools participated, while Lena-Winslow students joined the morning manufacturing tours.
We extend special appreciation to Adkins Energy, Berner Food & Beverage, Colony Brands, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 23, Titan International, and Tri Star Metals for their generous financial contributions totaling $3,150. Thank you also to Titan International and Colony Brands for donating student prizes.
A special thank-you to Highland Community College, our participating manufacturers, Employer Expo representatives, planning committee, and school chaperones for making this event possible.
Manufacturing offers exciting career opportunities in northwest Illinois, and we're proud to help students discover them!
Brian Greene
System Director