Companies in Galion are looking to hire.
That’s the message Galion manufacturers shared Friday to about 50 Galion educators who took tours of Covert Manufacturing, Elliott Machine Works, Carter Machine, Tramec/Sloan, Galion LLC and Schilling Graphics.
The educators toured the companies as part of the WAGE (Workforce Awareness for Graduates and Educators) program.
It started last year as a pilot program with the Bucyrus School District and Crawford County Education and Economic Development Director Gary Frankhouse is looking to expand it through Crawford County.
“The first goal of this program is to provide direct communication to the educators to increase exposure and break down any barriers of misunderstanding between manufacturing and education,” he said. “Our goal is to change the negative perception of the manufacturing industry and encourage more high school students in Galion and Crawford County to pursue a career in manufacturing.”
“We need good people with math and communication skills,” Covert Manufacturing co-president Kym Fox. “We are looking for people who are drug free and hard workers.”
Fox said she loved the WAGE program concept.
“Education is key,” she said.
Elliott Machine Works vice president Brent Ekin also said he likes the program.
“It’s a good opportunity,” he said.
Galion teachers also see the program as a good tool to share with students.
“It’s good to see what’s going on in the community,” Galion High School Algebra teacher Fred Rinehart said. “I’m impressed by the growth opportunities.”
“We are excited to engage in this program with our local business community,” Galion Superintendent James Grubbs said. “There are many manufacturing jobs available in Galion and Crawford County, and we need to educate our teachers, staff and students about the opportunities available in the manufacturing industry.”
