The Manufacturing Express received an eager welcome from students and faculty at McHenry County College (MCC) today in Crystal Lake, Illinois at the newly opened Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI). This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant leap forward in hands-on learning for aspiring manufacturing professionals. With cutting-edge programs in Manufacturing Essentials, Welding and Fabrication, Precision Machining, HVAC, Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, and Engineering Technology, CATI equips students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s promising and competitive manufacturing landscape.
One of the highlights of the visit was learning about the partnership between MCC and General Kinematics, a proud sponsor of CATI. General Kinematics provides essential resources, including welding materials and booths, helping create an environment where students can gain valuable hands-on experience. This support exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled workers.
For students like Ben Gebhardt, the opportunities at CATI are invaluable. “It means the world to get into a situation where we are not only learning but getting hands-on experience to do the work and make mistakes in a place like this. This new center allows us to explore all kinds of career options,” said Gebhardt.
General Kinematics is also deeply involved in the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium, a collaborative partnership in McHenry County that connects manufacturers, educators, and community leaders to build a strong pipeline of skilled talent. The Consortium not only focuses on raising awareness about career opportunities in manufacturing but also works on collaborative hiring practices and pathways to employment, especially for non-traditional talent.
The success of the Consortium is evident in students like Wyatt Kominoski, who credited a high school welding class for leading him into the program at MCC. It’s a clear sign that the combined efforts of educators and industry leaders are paying off.
Nikki Sullivan, Director of Continual Improvement at General Kinematics and a key leader in the Consortium, emphasized the deeper significance of manufacturing careers. “The most incredible part of being in manufacturing is one simple reason – we are making very real and physical things that other humans need or want to improve their lives. Pride is contagious in manufacturing. We get to see what we made and know the impact that it has on our world,” she said.
Founded in 1960, General Kinematics has long been at the forefront of innovation in vibratory processing technology, expanding far beyond its origins as a foundry feeder company. Their leadership and dedication to fostering talent through education are helping shape the future of manufacturing.
The partnership between MCC and General Kinematics, supported by initiatives like the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium, is paving the way for a new generation of skilled manufacturing professionals, ensuring a strong and sustained talent pipeline for years to come.
As the Manufacturing Express continues its journey, it leaves behind a sense of inspiration and excitement at MCC, where the future of manufacturing is being shaped in real-time.
