Hatboro-Horsham Joins School-Industry Collaboration to Plan for Future

Today’s students want to solve problems, handle complex information and earn decent salaries. Traditionally, students turn to law, medicine and technology when choosing careers that meet these criteria.

The Manufacturing Alliance of Bucks & Montgomery Counties, however, would like educators, parents and students to know that manufacturing careers offer the challenge, high-level of skill and lucrative salaries young people are seeking. The Alliance was formed to bring together stakeholders and plan for the talent, resources and future of manufacturing. Hatboro-Horsham School District is a member of the Alliance and will host a meeting on Jan. 20, 2015, from 1:00-3:00 PM at Hatboro-Horsham High School.

Among the significant hurdles the Alliance is striving to overcome is improving the public’s understanding of the fundamental role manufacturing plays in the economy and the vital need for skilled and highly trained employees. Between 2013-2014, Bucks County has experienced a five percent growth in manufacturing jobs. “As the current manufacturing workforce ages and retires and manufacturing processes become even more technologically advanced, there is a burgeoning need to create a pipeline of qualified workers who possess the technical, mathematical, problem solving and analytical skills essential for today’s manufacturing jobs, jobs that pay an average of $70,000 annually,” said Anthony Newberry, Bucks County Workforce Investment Business/Industry Specialist.

As a member of the Alliance, Hatboro-Horsham School District will collaborate with other members to determine how schools can equip and train students for future manufacturing positions and work with members to improve the public’s perception of manufacturing careers.

“The manufacturing sector offers opportunities to engage in work that saves lives, supports state-of-the art research and drives the economy, “ said Superintendent Curtis Griffin. “As a District, we want our students to have access to the full range of post-secondary opportunities so that they can make informed career decisions and are equipped to take on the challenges of whichever career they chose.”

The Alliance was created to establish a strong partnership of private and public sector representation that will increase the supply of qualified employees available to manufacturers, reduce barriers to growth, improve financial self-sufficiency, and promote utilization of public and private services, funding and financial incentives. The inaugural meeting was held in October 2014. The District is one of 200 members.

The Alliance encourages manufacturers, educators and service organization representatives who are interested in the future of the manufacturing industry to join the group on Jan. 20, 2015, to discuss, plan and work to solve the issues that impact manufacturers on a regional, national and global level.

For more information contact Alliance Coordinator, Anthony Newberry, anewberry@bc-wib.org.

Those planning to attend must pre-register and bring a photo ID. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/pnyzff5

Hatboro-Horsham High School is located at 899 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044.