Eighth-grade students in Clarendon County were in for a treat as they attend the 2023 Manufacturing Expo to be held Friday, Nov. 17, at FE DuBose Career Center, with groups coming in from Manning Junior High School, East Clarendon Middle School, Scott’s Branch Middle School, and Laurence Manning Academy.
Students came in two groups, one from 8:45 a.m.-11 a.m. and the other from 12:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by Georgia Pacific, the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
During the event, students had the opportunity to visit local corporate and FEDCC program exhibitors while also engaging in learning experiences with each of the career program offerings at FEDCC.
The Manufacturing Expo aims to bridge the gap between the academic and professional worlds, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of manufacturing and other career paths offered in the Clarendon County School District. Through interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and direct interactions with industry professionals, students will gain valuable insights into the real-world applications of their academic pursuits.
“This is an opportunity for the students of Clarendon County to be exposed to career pathways and speak with corporate employees about job skills and job offerings,” stated Dr. Keisa Carr, Interim Director of FEDCC. “Career exploration is a top priority for our feeder schools to ensure they know what pathway they want to pursue in high school. Upon graduation, we aim to have our students career-ready with certifications and tiered credentials.”
Key Exhibitors of the Manufacturing Expo include CCTC Mechatronics and Engineering and Design, Continental, Georgia Pacific, It-oLogy, Provalis, SC DEW, Thompson Construction, Career Center Digital Arts Program, Career Center Law Enforcement, Clarendon County Emerg Mgmt/E-911, and Clarendon Library.
Our commitment to fostering the next generation of manufacturing professionals is at the heart of our community and educational initiatives.
“Our goal is to ignite a passion for manufacturing, and careers in general, among the younger generation,” says Kimberly Johnson, Assistant Director, FEDCC. “We believe that by providing students with a hands-on, immersive experience, we can open their eyes to exciting and rewarding career opportunities.”
