[Princeton, WV, May 10] Conn-Weld Industries, LLC has partnered with Explore the New Manufacturing to further education in manufacturing.  As part of this initiative, Conn-Weld participated in a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge (MIT) with Fayette Institute of Technology (FIT), a program of Explore the New Manufacturing where high school teams solve real-world manufacturing problems.  On April 12, via virtual classroom, Conn-Weld presented students, Joel Banks, Jacob Cooper, Aidan Cox, Corey Mitchell, Logan Pack, Justin Pettit, Hunter Richardson, Jacob Talbert, Bryce Tucker, and Matthew Walker, of Scott McDaniel’s Pre-Engineering class with a challenge pertaining to product quality control.  Three samples of profile wire screen panels were sent prior to the class.  The high schoolers were to choose the correct sample based on the required specifications provided. During the class, Vice President of Engineering, Anthony Fink explained how choosing to remain in WV has proven beneficial to his career.  He also offered sound advice to students stating, “you have to marry yesterday’s experience with today’s technology”.  Stephen Collins, a 13-year employee, talked about starting his career at Conn-Weld right out of high school. Finally, President Marvin Woodie, discussed the various applications of the product the students were to inspect and the importance of quality control.  In addition, he remarked how an engineer has had a hand in designing everything they see around them, further stating, “there has to be people that can convert design into product.” Marvin went on to say there is an urgent need for people with technical training to fill these positions such as welders, fabricators, CNC operators, and machinists.  Each of the students then introduced themselves sharing their future goals.

PRINCETON, W. VA. (WVVA) - West Virginia Governor Jim Justice made a proclamation that May 10 is Manufacturing Education Day in the state of West Virginia.

To observe the day, Conn-Weld Industries in Princeton hosted the manufacturing innovation challenge, which taught students at Fayette Technical Instute about the manufacturing industry.

Martinsburg, WV, May 10, 2021 – In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed 13 Tri- County Robotics students from the James Rumsey Technical Institute (JRTI) and Quad Graphics. The challenge required the students to develop a robotic visual inspection of magazine covers to provide quality control on key areas like the width of the color borders.

Wheeling, WV, May 10, 2021 – In celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day, Explore the New Manufacturing has announced the completion of a Manufacturing Innovation Challenge, which teamed 23 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at Wheeling Park High School and Precision Tool. The challenge required the students to conduct research on behalf of Precision Tool for the potential purchase of a five-axis machine with a focus on capabilities, size and cost of multiple potential machines.

Charleston, WV, May 10, 2021 – The Explore the New Manufacturing Program, in cooperation with the West Virginia Department of Education, announced the celebration of West Virginia Manufacturing Education Day.  The proclamation celebrates and recognizes students and educators across the Mountain State for their excellence and commitment to the next generation of workers in the manufacturing industry. 

“West Virginia is a regional leader in career and technical education (CTE), and we are tremendously proud of the 94 CTE and ACE manufacturing programs offered during the 2020-2021 school year,” State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch said. “By providing these educational opportunities to West Virginia students and through the celebration of Manufacturing Education Day, we hope to inspire the country’s next generation of talent to learn more about modern manufacturing.”