Throughout the year, the Southwest Virgnia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM) coordinates with local colleges and universities in hosting “Manufacture Your Career” events throughout Southwest Virginia. These events are designed to provide valuable insights to change perceptions and encourage more students to pursue careers within manufacturing. These events also offer valuable networking opportunities upon the conclusion of a panel discussion.

One of the events this year was hosted at Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) located in Abingdon, Virginia. Representatives from Strongwell, Utility Trailer, and Wolf Hills Fabricators were invited to this year’s panel discussion. Ryan Blankenship (Tool and Die Machinist - Bristol) was asked to participate in this year’s event as a past graduate of VHCC. During the hour-long discussion, he shared his educational pathways and how his internships broadened his welding and machining knowledge base to eventually secure a job with Strongwell in 2019.

Scott Holmes (Engineering Services Manager - Bristol) and Te-Kai Shu (Community Relations Manager) were also present in sharing day-to-day experiences of machine shop operations, discuss open positions, and explain Strongwell’s approach to team member engagement community relations.