Gear Up Career Days

KAYSVILLE, UT - On September 30 and October 1, 2008, a manufacturing career fair called Gear Up Career Days will be held at the Davis County Events Center (Fairgrounds). The purpose of the event is to raise awareness for junior high and high school students in Utah regarding the increased demand for manufacturing jobs.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) estimates between 2008 and 2014 there will be over 19,000 new manufacturing positions. Many of these positions are considered "5 Star" occupations, which yield the greatest job outlook and the best pay.

The demand for engineers, machinists, welders, electronic technicians, and other skilled professions is at an all time high. However, now more than ever, employers are having difficulty finding enough skilled people to fill these positions. In addition, many highly-tenured workers will be retiring over the next decade, leaving even more positions available.

It is no secret that generations of junior high and high school students are unaware of the lucrative career opportunities awaiting them in Utah's manufacturing sector.

In response to this demand, several private and public organizations are partnering to promote the fair. Great public support has been provided by the Utah Manufacturing Association, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Department of Workforce Services, LDS Employment Resource Services, Occupational Safety & Health Association, Workers Compensation Fund, Utah State Office of Education, Job Corps, HAFB, Vocational Rehabilitation, Weber State University, Davis Applied Technology College and Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College.

Private partnerships include ResourceMFG, Chromalox, ATK, Utility Trailer, Petersen, Inc., FedEx, Huish, JD Machine, Kennecott, and Williams International. Sweets Candy, Wavell Huber, Petersen, Inc., Utility Trailer, and the Lean Manufacturing Center of

Ogden will be participating as tour sites. In addition, L3 Communications, Kroger/Smith's, and Huish Detergents have signed on as gold sponsors and Zero Manufacturing as a silver sponsor for the event.

This unique public-private partnership will bring students, education, and industry together for an exciting two-day event that will introduce some 2,000 Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Ogden, and Morgan high school and junior high school students to career opportunities in manufacturing. Activities will include company tours, a career fair, and hands-on interactive exhibits at the Davis County Events Center.

The first day of the event, high school students will tour two manufacturing facilities to experience state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities supervised by industry professionals at the Davis County Events Center (Fairgrounds).
These activities will include competitions for parts assembly, caliper measuring, and assembly line processing.

That afternoon, a career fair will be held from 3-7 p.m. where manufacturing companies will have the opportunity to provide information regarding available job openings.

On the second day, junior high students will learn about manufacturing by participating in hands-on activities at the Events Center. Each student will receive a career kit, information about careers in manufacturing, and the opportunity to network with employers. In order to have a successful event, funding is imperative. Sponsorships are available at many levels including:
•Gold Sponsor - $1,000
•Silver Sponsor - $750
•Tour Sponsor - $350
•Exhibitor Sponsor - $350

If your company is interested in participating, please log on to gearuputah.com to locate information on sponsorships, registration, volunteers, and other details or simply contact Liz Whitney at 801-265-1999 or Kathy Barney at 801-706-7036 at ResourceMFG.