Middle school students learn about construction, manufacturing careers

   Thirty-four Penn Manor middle school students got a first-hand look at careers in manufacturing and construction while participating in two local events outside of school.

   Nine students from Manor Middle School and six from Marticville visited Armstrong Flooring on October 4 as part of Manufacturing Day. They toured Armstrong’s Columbia Avenue facility, learning about design decisions, job requirements and manufacturing processes.

   On October 16, 19 Manor eighth-graders participated in “Construction Wars,” a daylong event in which they were got to try their hands at different jobs and learn about the construction field from industry professionals.

   The students donned hard hats and safety goggles and made toolboxes, step stools and airtight plumbing fixtures, wired light switches and handled several different hand tools – all under the supervision of construction professionals. They also learned about jobs in the trades and career training opportunities available in Lancaster County.

In addition, students got to talk with state Rep. Brett Miller, who also attended the event.

    The program, sponsored by the Keystone Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, attracted about 200 students from Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties.

   Danielle Rogers, Manor Middle School counselor, said the experience exposed students to high-paying, in-demand careers in the construction trades that don’t require a four-year college degree.

    The 15 students who visited Armstrong Flooring learned about the company’s history and its current line of products made with recycled plastics before participating in a tour of the floor products facility.

   Throughout the tour, students talked with employees about their roles in the manufacturing process, their job duties, travel opportunities and educational backgrounds. At the end of the tour, students created their own floor tile designs.

   Students were chosen to participate based on their interest in math, science and technology, said Amy D’Amico, gifted teacher at Manor Middle School.

    “Students were given an opportunity to see education routes and employment opportunities that they may not have known about had they not participated in Manufacturing Day,” she said. “The experience broadened their scope of knowledge of what is possible for them.”

   Many thanks to Armstrong Flooring and the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors for providing this valuable learning opportunity for our students.