More than 1,000 students from 20 school districts explored rewarding career opportunities amid skilled worker shortage

From the country’s epicenter of advanced manufacturing, Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development, Oakland County MichiganWorks!, Oakland Community College and Oakland Schools partnered to connect students with future employers at Manufacturing Day 2025.

This year, more than 1,000 students from 20 school districts and all four technical campuses toured 34 companies around Oakland County. The hands-on experiences gave students an inside look at design labs, testing centers, and assembly operations, while employees shared insights about career paths, skills, and entry-level job opportunities.

The impact lasts far beyond a single day

“The need for skilled workers is stronger than ever,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Manufacturers from around the world are locating new and expanded operations in Oakland County and across Southeast Michigan, Events like Manufacturing Day are a perfect way for young people to pique their interests and begin the journey to a fulfilling career.”

According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, skilled trade positions will account for 47,000 annual job openings in Michigan through 2028. A recent report by the Skilled Careers Coalition projects there will be 2.4 million unfilled manufacturing positions in the U.S. by 2028.

Since the event’s launch in 2015, more than 11,000 students have participated, with nearly 150 employers hosting tours. OCC has served as an event partner from the beginning.

“Manufacturing Day opens students’ eyes to the exciting world of high-tech manufacturing in Oakland County,” said Beau Everitt, OCC Academic Dean, Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies (EMIT). “It’s a chance to spark curiosity, shape career goals, and connect what they learn in the classroom to career opportunities in this in-demand field.”  

Students get inside look and reimagine the future of America’s workforce

OCC’s EMIT, Economic Workforce and Development, and other departments welcomed students and staff from Royal Oak High School and University High School (Ferndale) to the Auburn Hills Campus for an immersive tour of the College's Skilled Trades programs. Students explored hands-on demonstrations in HVAC, Automotive Servicing, Machine Tool, Robotics, and Collision Auto Repair labs showcasing OCC’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, industry-aligned training and career-ready education.

In addition to OCC, the 2025 roster of tour hosts includes 3-Dimensional Services Group; ABB; AirBoss Flexible Products; AkzoNobel; American Axle and Manufacturing; Ascent Aerospace; Atlas Copco; Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems; Barron Industries; Brose North America; Cosma Body Assembly Michigan; Durr Systems Inc; FANUC America Corporation; FATA Automation, Inc.; HIROTEC America; Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering Inc; Humanetics; JR Automation; MacLean-Fogg; Mayville Engineering Company; Moeller Aerospace; NLB Corp.; Oerlikon; Pratt Miller; PROFIL; Signarama, Troy- Metro Detroit; Star Cutter Company; Three M Tool and Machine; Triple Inc.; TSM Corporation; Webasto Convertibles USA Inc.; Williams International and Witzenmann.

OCC’s EMIT programs offer students a number of certificates and degrees in the skilled trades that prepare them for a career in a variety of manufacturing areas, including Automobile Servicing; Collision Auto Repair; Computer-Aided Design and Engineering Technology; Construction Management; HVAC/R Systems Technology; Machine Tool Technology; Robotics and Automated Systems Technology; Technological Sciences; and Welding and Fabrication Technology.  

For more information about OCC’s programs, visit EMIT.

About OCC  

Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.    

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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu