Boosting Nebraska’s Economic Engine: High School Trades Ignite Manufacturing Job Surge
FREMONT, Nebraska – In a move that’s reshaping the state’s economic landscape, Nebraska manufacturing jobs have hit a 20-year high, thanks in large part to innovative educational initiatives and a renewed focus on trades education. This surge in manufacturing employment is not just a number on a chart; it’s a testament to the power of Career Technical Education and its impact on workforce development.
The Rising Tide of Manufacturing in Nebraska
On Wednesday, Governor Jim Pillen, along with state and local officials, gathered at Structural Component Systems (SCS) in Fremont to highlight the remarkable growth in Nebraska’s manufacturing sector. But the true stars of the event weren’t the dignitaries – they were a dozen local high school students dual-enrolled in trades-focused college courses.
These Fremont teens, part of the newly opened Career Technical Education Center at Fremont High School, represent a growing talent pipeline that’s fueling the state’s manufacturing boom. Their participation in programs focusing on construction, welding, and other vital skills is a prime example of how high school trades education in Nebraska is transforming the state’s economic future.
Manufacturing: Nebraska’s Economic Powerhouse
K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, underscored the significance of manufacturing to the state’s economy. “Pretty extraordinary what manufacturing is doing in the state of Nebraska,” Belitz remarked, noting that the sector contributes a staggering $21.6 billion to Nebraska’s annual gross domestic product – a 57% increase from just five years ago.
- Manufacturing is second only to agriculture in economic impact
- The sector employs approximately 109,000 workers statewide
- Average annual salary in manufacturing: $81,000
This growth in Nebraska manufacturing jobs isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating high-quality, well-paying careers for Nebraskans. As Governor Pillen pointed out, the average annual salary in the state’s manufacturing industry last year was an impressive $81,000.
Manufacturing Month Nebraska: Celebrating Growth and Opportunity
The event at SCS was part of a series of stops made by Governor Pillen and Belitz to highlight the impact of manufacturing on Nebraska’s economy and to proclaim October as Manufacturing Month in Nebraska. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the opportunities in the manufacturing sector and encourage more young people to consider careers in this field.
Structural Component Systems: A Case Study in Growth
Structural Component Systems, one of Fremont’s largest employers, exemplifies the growth potential in Nebraska’s manufacturing sector. In just eight years, SCS has seen its workforce grow by an astounding 165%, now employing about 570 people. The company, which designs and manufactures building components, currently has about 20 job openings, highlighting the ongoing demand for skilled workers in the industry.
Diane Mallette, SCS’s director of human resources, emphasized the importance of the new talent pipeline expected from the Career Technical Education Center at Fremont High School. The company actively engages with students through career fairs and site visits, encouraging them to explore manufacturing career options.
The Power of High School Dual Enrollment
One of the key factors driving the growth in Nebraska’s manufacturing sector is the emphasis on high school dual enrollment programs. These initiatives allow students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, often at no cost to them.
Randy Schmailzl, president of Metropolitan Community College, revealed that over 8,500 high school students in a four-county region took an MCC class in the past school year. Many of these students explored career opportunities in skilled construction trades and manufacturing fields, all free of charge.
At Fremont High School alone, about 700 of the 1,700 students participated in courses at the career center that count as both high school and college credits. This high school dual enrollment trades program is creating a robust pipeline of skilled workers ready to enter the manufacturing workforce.
Student Perspectives: The Future of Manufacturing
The success of these programs is best illustrated by the students themselves. Levi DeBoer, aspiring to become an electrician, and Elaine Steinbach, pursuing welding like her grandfather, represent the next generation of skilled workers in Nebraska’s manufacturing sector.
Elaine’s story is particularly inspiring: “I’d go hang out with him for hours,” she said of her grandfather and his workshop. “I mean hours.” This passion for hands-on work, nurtured through family connections and educational opportunities, is precisely what’s driving the resurgence in manufacturing careers.
Factors Driving Manufacturing Growth in Nebraska
Mike Johnson, executive vice president of manufacturing for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, identified several factors contributing to the boost in manufacturing employment:
- Renewed interest among younger people in manufacturing careers
- Opportunities for workers to “upskill” within the industry
- Increased investment in automation and high-tech solutions
- Strong ties to Nebraska’s established agriculture industry
- Post-pandemic push for domestic production to avoid supply chain issues
These factors combine to create a robust ecosystem for Nebraska economic growth through manufacturing.
The Role of Business-Education Partnerships
The success of programs like the Career Technical Education Center at Fremont High School is largely due to strong partnerships between educational institutions and local businesses. Mark Shepard, superintendent of Fremont Public Schools, noted that the career center concept really took off after businesses got involved, offering practical guidance on industry needs.
This collaboration ensures that students are learning skills that are directly applicable to the current job market, creating a seamless transition from education to employment.
Looking to the Future: Sustaining Growth in Nebraska Manufacturing
As Nebraska continues to invest in Career Technical Education and strengthen its manufacturing talent pipeline, the future looks bright for the state’s economy. The initiatives highlighted during Manufacturing Month Nebraska demonstrate a commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and opportunity in this crucial sector.
By focusing on high school trades education and creating pathways for young people to enter manufacturing careers, Nebraska is not just filling jobs – it’s building a sustainable economic engine that will drive prosperity for generations to come.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the combination of innovative educational programs, strong industry partnerships, and a renewed focus on domestic manufacturing will continue to fuel Nebraska economic development manufacturing for years to come.
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