With a corporate-wide emphasis on supporting STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education efforts, Bishop-Wisecarver Group is active in numerous student-based events both locally and nationally. This past month, we had the unique opportunity of combining some of these efforts and groups in the same place! Discussions of STEM, robots, pirates and tigers were mentioned throughout the day and it wasn’t because Halloween was coming. When BWG opened its doors for the national Manufacturing Day event this year, we welcomed two groups of FIRST robotics teams to our plant. BWG has sponsored both of these teams in their incredible work with the FIRST program and now had the opportunity to enhance their learning in the world of manufacturing.
This year, BWG actually had two Manufacturing Days as there were so many people wanting to attend the tours. We hosted groups on October 7 and October 29 and visitors included high school students from the East Bay and Silicon Valley, national and local manufacturing group officers, elected officials and community members. Sessions included a plant tour, 3D printer demonstration and a panel discussion which included a Q&A with employees.
“This place looks totally different than I expected.”
“I didn’t realize there were so many different types of jobs.”
“That could be my starting salary? No way!”
“There are how many job openings?”
“This is fun. I could do this job.”
These questions and comments could be heard throughout our manufacturing site earlier this month as Bishop-Wisecarver again participated in the national Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) event.
As we see kids head back to school it reminds me of my role as a business leader to invest and support our next generation of team members. As a woman running manufacturing, distribution and engineering companies I see a real gap in the education and experiences we are providing to our kids.
