Learn the Facts, Discover a New Career Path: Hatboro-Horsham Hosts ManuFest on March 19

HORSHAM---Are you a high school student, parent or educator? Do you find it hard to believe that careers in manufacturing can be challenging, lucrative and state-of-the-art? Register for ManuFest 2016, scheduled for March 19, 2016, and be prepared to be proved wrong!

With more than 40 area companies participating in the event, which is hosted at Hatboro-Horsham High School, attendees will gain insights into the modern world of manufacturing. Stereotypical impressions of manufacturing will be shattered and careers in this sector will be exposed for what they really are—creative, high-tech and rewarding…think engineering and technology, production, logistics and distribution and management.

The data is compelling

Today a college degree is not the only path to a successful future. As a matter of fact, today a college degree is no longer a golden ticket to security and job advancement. There is growing recognition that there are alternative pathways to a secure future and manufacturing is one of them. Manufacturing is a thriving sector of the economy and it:

· Contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.

· Employs 12.33 million manufacturing workers in the United States, accounting for 9 percent of the workforce

· Performs more than three-quarters of all private-sector research and development (R&D) in the U.S., driving more innovation than any other sector.

Be prepared to be surprised

ManuFest 2016 packs a lot of information into one morning. The event kicks-off with a presentation by Jeremy Bout, Executive Producer/Producer and Host of Edge Factor, an action-packed and inspiring collection of video episodes “that unlock the exciting world of manufacturing.” Later, attendees will be encouraged to meet with area representatives to discuss products, opportunities and more. Break-out sessions hosted by representatives and geared to three specific groups--students, parents and educator—promise a wealth of information and insights.

“The image of manufacturing is still very much misunderstood; people conjure up images of assembly lines” said District Superintendent Curtis Griffin. “Manufacturing plays a vital role in our economy and it has changed dramatically in recent decades. Manufacturing is a viable career path and I encourage students, parents and educators to approach manufacturing with an open mind. You will be will be surprised at what you learn.”

What’s in it for you?

ManuFest 2016 offers something for everyone:

Parents can learn about alternative post-high school career paths for students that offer excellent opportunities and do not require a burdensome financial investment.

Educators can find out about the latest careers awaiting students, as well as how to make connections between classroom learning and the real-life skills needed in today’s workplace

High school students can meet area employers and connect with them about employment possibilities.

ManuFest 2016 is being held at Hatboro-Horsham High School, but students and residents of surrounding communities are invited to attend.

Information is available at www.ManuFest.org. Registration is required. Check in begins at 8 a.m. and the event is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

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

ManuFest is an initiative by the Montgomery County Commerce Department, Montco Works, the Bucks/Montco County Manufacturing Alliances, the Bucks County Workforce Development Board and the Montgomery County Community College in partnership with the MidAtlantic Employers’ Association.

Learn more about manufacturing by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=22&v=pzTli04Vzgc