Morgantown, WV, May 13, 2021 – In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed ten welding students from the Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC) and Progressive Industries, Inc. The challenge required the students to develop an entry exam consisting of a written exam and a skills assessment for applicants as part of the Progressive Industries interview process.
“The exam pieces were put together well. I liked that one welding test makes a toolbox that is useful instead of just leftover scrap material”, commented Josh Perry, General Manager at Progressive Industries Inc., about students’ presentation.
In preparation for the challenge, the students were given an in-depth virtual tour of Progressive Industries’ Morgantown facility. The tour included employee commentary about their jobs and why they chose to work in manufacturing. The Progressive team explained that basic math, decision-making skills, welding, and fabricating abilities were critical for each new employee.
The challenge concluded with a team presentation, where the student's explained how they developed the prospective employee entry exam. They also discussed obstacles and options they managed in developing the exam. The students broke into two teams to create a written and skills exam where applicants can show skills with various welds. The exams minimize waste and one challenge requires building a metal toolbox that can be used in the shop.
Don Robinette, MTEC welding instructor, believes that his students gain valuable experience by working with manufacturers on a real-world challenge. The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge allowed them to use skills they have learned in class to help Progressive Industries find welders and fabricators to work in their manufacturing facility. Perhaps some of these students will be an employee for this company or others like it across West Virginia.
Participating MTEC Students: Clay Collins, Keehn Dunlevy, Gavin Henderson, Gavin Harr, Tanner Hennen, Dylan Howard, Connor Hyre, Gabe Dalton, Jason McCormick, Brandon Miavitz, Nick Reynolds, Ethan Rhodes, Zach Smyth, and Tyler Yerkovich
Participating Progressive Industries Team Members: Heather Cyphert and Josh Perry
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has recognized May 10, 2021, as West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day. The proclamation celebrates and recognizes students and educators across the Mountain State for their excellence and commitment to the next generation of workers in the manufacturing industry. "Today is to recognize those in education and industry who tirelessly cultivate innovative and engaging educational programs connecting student interest and skills with meaningful career opportunities in manufacturing. West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day is a celebration of the state’s students and educators for their excellence and commitment to the next generation in the manufacturing industry workforce,” said Explore the New Manufacturing Program Director Monica Cross.
Explore's Manufacturing Innovation Challenge is designed to allow high school student teams to solve real-world manufacturing problems faced by West Virginia manufacturers. Each challenge is unique and can come from a variety of aspects of the company's operations. Students learn how problem-solving skills are a critical element to job performance. The challenge concludes with a formal team presentation, after which students and manufacturers discuss the feasibility of implementing the solution. The experience illustrates how teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills are used to implement the industry's solutions.
Explore the New Manufacturing is currently looking for schools and companies to take part in next year's MIC program, as well as their What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Video Contests, Explore the New Manufacturing Academies, and regional Scrap Competitions. If you would like more information, contact Tom Reed at
