Business & Finance
Hillsborough High School students gained some insight into job opportunities in the manufacturing sector during Friday's Makers and Creators event.
Hillsborough High School students gained some insight into job opportunities in the manufacturing sector during Friday's Makers and Creators event.Photo Credit: Christopher Ireland/HTPS
Hillsborough High School students gained some insight into job opportunities in the manufacturing sector during Friday's Makers and Creators event.Photo Credit: Christopher Ireland/HTPS
Photo Credit: Rod Hirsch/TAPinto File Photo
Hillsborough High School students gained some insight into job opportunities in the manufacturing sector during Friday's Makers and Creators event.Photo Credit: Christopher Ireland/HTPS
Hillsborough High School students gained some insight into job opportunities in the manufacturing sector during Friday's Makers and Creators event.Photo Credit: Christopher Ireland/HTPS
Hillsborough High School students gained some insight into job opportunities in the manufacturing sector during Friday's Makers and Creators event.Photo Credit: Christopher Ireland/HTPS
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By TAPinto Hillsborough Staff
Published February 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - Students at Hillsborough High School were afforded an unprecedented opportunity to explore the dynamic world of modern manufacturing during the inaugural NJ Makers & Creators Tour on Friday.
This groundbreaking event, a first for the district and the only high school in Somerset County selected for this program, connected students with industry leaders, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and diverse career pathways.
Students engaged in hands-on demonstrations and insightful discussions, gaining firsthand knowledge of the advanced processes driving today's manufacturing sector. The tour highlighted the wide range of rewarding career opportunities available, many with competitive salaries, such as the average $97,000 earned by manufacturing professionals in New Jersey.
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"This event was about more than just numbers; it was about opening our students' eyes to the possibilities beyond traditional four-year college tracks," said Lisa Kiel, Science Supervisor. "It was about forging meaningful connections between our students and the industry leaders who are shaping our economy."
Throughout the day, three engaging sessions were conducted, allowing a broad range of students to participate. These sessions featured presentations and demonstrations from representatives of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), NJMEP (New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program), and numerous local manufacturers, including Power Container, Bihler of America, Inc., Maplewood Shop, G & LJ Steel & Tubing, Inc., Hercules Chassis, and L&Z Tool.
Representatives from Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) and Hillsborough Township also participated, emphasizing the collaborative effort to support student success.
Key attendees included:
The event's class lineup included high school students in courses currently focusing on mechanical drawing, wood technology, engineering principles, chemistry, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, environmental science, biology, engineering, physics. law, integrative STEM, introduction to business, and computer science.
"This inaugural event was a resounding success, and I'm incredibly proud of our students and staff for embracing this unique opportunity," added Chris Ireland, District Supervisor. "This event was a first step in what I hope will be a long and fruitful partnership with the NJEDA and our local manufacturing community. We've shown our students that exciting and rewarding careers are within reach, and we've ignited a spark of curiosity that will hopefully help shape their futures."
"I am thrilled to see our students engaged in such a meaningful event," said Jeff DiLollo, Principal. "The NJ Makers & Creators Tour provided a unique opportunity for our students to explore the exciting world of manufacturing and discover the many rewarding career paths available to them."
"This event is a testament to the power of collaboration between our school district, industry leaders, and community partners," said Mike Volpe, Superintendent. "By showcasing the diverse and fulfilling opportunities in the manufacturing sector, we are helping to destigmatize non-college careers and empower our students to make informed decisions about their futures."
The NJ Makers & Creators Tour at Hillsborough High School successfully showcased the potential of modern manufacturing careers and fostered valuable connections between students and industry professionals.