SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WENY) -- Friday, October 6th, 2023, is National Manufacturing Day in the United States. To inspire middle, high school, and college students to join the manufacturing or trade skill labor force, the Greater Southern Tier BOCES hosted its "Made in [the] Southern Tier" MFG (Manufacturing) Day.

The event was hosted at the GST BOCES Bush Campus in Horseheads and was a way for students to learn about manufacturing businesses in the area. Students could talk one-on-one with people from manufacturing companies and also participate in hands-on activities.

"We have manufacturers who are sharing all about what they do, all the available jobs they have to students right out of high school [and] some out of college. It's a great opportunity to celebrate how we build things in the region and the nation," said Executive Director of the Career Development Council, Susan Pawlak.

Pawlak said that soon there will be a labor shortage in the manufacturing and trades. She also said having an event like this can help build a stronger workforce in the Southern Tier.

"We know there's a shortage and there will be people retiring over the next several years. So, we need the younger generation to come join them...we want them to know that they are the next workforce for us," said Pawlak.

Companies like CAF USA, The Hilliard Corporation, and Southern Tier Logistics were among the dozens of manufacturers at the event. Corning Community College was also there, but not to encourage students to sign up for college classes.

"We are here to let them know that we have short-term training [and] they don't have to go the traditional college route. Our welding program, our career welding program, [has] a 95% job placement," said CCC Program Coordinator for the Workforce Education and Academic Pathways, Ericka Lehman.

Lehman said while many people go to college to pursue their career, some people feel it isn't the best route for them.

"They want to get right out in the work field and start earning money and this short-term training helps them get that leg up," said Lehman.

Michael is a 16-year-old student at GST BOCES in the Conservation Class. He said he wants to be a welder after he graduates high school.

"I feel like there is some pressure in school nowadays to go to a college and I feel like BOCES is a really good way to have options with going to school or not. So, this will [allow me] to do a trade as opposed to studying for a couple of years. I can just go straight to work and not spend thousands of dollars," said Michael.

For anyone interested in the CCC Career Welding Program, please email [email protected] or you can call (607)-936-5501.