Subaru of Indiana Automotive hosting over 500 high school students in support of Manufacturing Day

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Oct. 2, 2019 - PRLog -- Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) is providing plant tours this week for over 500 high school students as part of activities leading up to Manufacturing Day on Friday.

Eight high schools are participating in catwalk tours to provide students with an overview of the production process. The event showcases a variety of technology, including more than 1,000 robots welding vehicle frames.

"There are an estimated 3.4 million jobs to be filled in manufacturing through 2025—but only an estimated 2 million qualified workers to do so," said Scott Brand, senior vice president at SIA. "To inspire a larger workforce for the future, participating in activities like Manufacturing Day are critical for our business."

Held annually on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students and teachers.

SIA sponsors and joins in the Manufacturing Week event organized by Greater Lafayette Commerce for students in grades K-12. In addition to high school students touring local manufacturers, middle school students participate in an offsite full-day learning expo and elementary school students participate in a half-day workshop. For the elementary and middle school students, SIA representatives lead a timed Lego vehicle assembly line simulation.

Beyond Manufacturing Day-related activities, SIA hosts student groups throughout the year for its interactive SIA Educational Experience (SEE). To complement the program, the company opened a Learning and Discovery Lab last October. It was developed in partnership with Purdue and its Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) to create manufacturing career awareness and exposure for Indiana youth.

"The manufacturing industry today is not just growing—it also offers many high-tech jobs that utilize a vast array of digital technologies," said Brand. "We're introducing next-generation workers to next-generation manufacturing."

Over 1,000 square feet in size, the lab provides opportunities for educators and students to explore uses for technology through design applications that use engineering and coding software. Hands-on experiences include 3D printers, robotic arms, modular robotic construction sets and virtual reality.

Since opening a year ago, more than 2,000 students in fifth through 12th grade from 19 Indiana counties, and one in Illinois, have visited the lab.

About Subaru of Indiana Automotive
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), a subsidiary of Subaru Corp., is the home of North American production for the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy and Outback. SIA employs more than 6,000 associates who are committed to quality, safety and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit subaru-sia.com.