Ohio’s First Manufacturing Expo+ Ignites Student Interest in Manufacturing Careers, Presented by OFIC, Sponsored by Honda
OFIC's event series connects students with Ohio's thriving manufacturing industry through hands-on experiences and industry insights.
“When I got back to campus, I couldn’t stop smiling. The experience was that impactful,” said an OFIC member campus staff attendee, reflecting on the Manufacturing Expo+ event hosted by The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) this fall. Supported by a $25,000 grant from Honda, this inaugural event brought students face-to-face with some of the possibilities within Ohio’s manufacturing industry, a sector that produces over $128 billion annually and employs nearly 700,000 workers.
The Manufacturing Expo+ aimed to spark interest and open students’ minds to career paths in an industry they might not have previously considered. “Throughout my first year in this role, it’s been incredibly rewarding to help connect students and career services staff to employers like Honda and Worthington Enterprises,” shared Melanie Garrabrant, OFIC’s Director of Talent Connections. “We want students to be aware of the diverse and meaningful opportunities within industries like manufacturing.”
Event Highlights: Manufacturing Expo+ Offers Hands-On Experiences Across Ohio
The Manufacturing Expo+, directed by Garrabrant, delivered a rich mix of hands-on activities, networking opportunities, and industry insights virtually and in-person across multiple locations in Ohio, aimed at broadening students’ understanding of manufacturing career pathways—including roles in marketing, IT, logistics, supply chain management, and business. Each location offered unique experiences that underscored the versatility of careers within the manufacturing sector.
Highlights included:
DJJ/Nucor, Virtual Sessions - Steel and recycling industry leaders at The David J. Joseph Company (DJJ)/Nucor offered students a valuable virtual opportunity to learn about careers and pathways in the manufacturing industry, including the ability to apply for upcoming paid internships. DJJ/Nucor also conducted additional activities with OFIC member campuses to foster continued engagement and recruitment opportunities for students, paving the way for future career pathways in the industry.
MAGNET, Cleveland - At the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET), students explored how modern manufacturing thrives on innovation, research, and development. A dynamic panel discussion with professionals from diverse backgrounds provided students with new perspectives on how their skills could translate to manufacturing careers. Students participated in a toy car making contest and had the pleasure of meeting Otis, the robot dog.
Worthington Enterprises, Columbus - Students toured Worthington Enterprises, a top metals manufacturing company and OFIC donor partner, and after visiting the cylinder facility, engaged with a panel of professionals who shared their experiences and highlighted the skills and innovations driving Ohio’s manufacturing sector.
CIFT NOCK, Toledo - The Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT) Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) gave students a behind-the-scenes look at food manufacturing, featuring roles that contribute to Ohio’s economic landscape. Students had the opportunity to participate in a taste-testing focus group for innovative food products. Special guests included State Senator Theresa Gavarone, who joined the tour and taste-testing, and State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari, who offered words of encouragement during lunch. The event also featured Andrew Newby, local entrepreneur and CEO/Founder of Toledo Spirits, who shared inspiring insights on innovation in Ohio’s manufacturing future.
These events provided students with hands-on exposure to manufacturing and meaningful connections with professionals who are the heartbeat of the industry .Each stop on the Manufacturing Expo+ tour reinforced the many facets and career possibilities within Ohio's thriving manufacturing sector, fostering a new generation of industry enthusiasts and potential workforce contributors.
“During our commute home, one of our students who was initially focused on real estate, started thinking about expanding his horizons because of the Manufacturing Expo+ MAGNET event panel. He realized there are so many ways his business management degree can be utilized.”
Building on Success and Looking Forward
The success of the inaugural Manufacturing Expo+ demonstrated the need for continued promotion and awareness of the manufacturing industry among Ohio’s independent college students. As Garrabrant emphasized, “We know we can do more, especially because several companies have expressed interest in participating in future events.”
OFIC is actively seeking capacity-building support to maintain momentum and expand the reach of these initiatives. With a growing interest from both students and employers, the potential for future events looks promising. As the Expo+ drew to a close, attendees left inspired, excited, and eager to share their experiences with peers back on campus.
With plans for additional events in the spring, OFIC aims to continue fostering connections between students and the manufacturing sector, ensuring that Ohio’s future workforce is well-prepared to meet the demands of this vital industry. The enthusiasm and insights gained from the Manufacturing Expo+ are just the beginning of a concerted effort to highlight the many opportunities available in manufacturing and support student career development in this dynamic field.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made the Manufacturing Expo+ possible and especially thankful to the students from ten different campuses who took time from their busy class schedules to participate,” shared Garrabrant. “Their energy and curiosity were inspiring, and they truly brought these events to life!”
Share Your Manufacturing Story
Are you a manufacturing professional with a story to share?
Join Our Storytelling Project: OFIC invites you to share your manufacturing journey and insights to inspire the next generation. By contributing your experiences, you could become part of future events or video series, helping students across Ohio discover the rewarding paths available in manufacturing. Contact us to learn more and play a role in shaping tomorrow’s workforce