On Oct. 7, students from Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools (WJCC) visited Anheuser-Busch InBev, Owens-Illinois, Coresix Precision Glass, Ball Corporation, Nicewood Enterprises, H&H Medical and Printpack, all in James City County, for Manufacturing Day. Manufacturing Day is an initiative of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence designed to reach out to schools to foster an interest in manufacturing careers and to help to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. This was the fourth annual Manufacturing Day hosted in the County. Almost 300 students have participated over the course of the program. Students from all three WJCC high schools were able to see first-hand how advanced technology has changed manufacturing and to learn about the skills needed to qualify for high-paying and fulfilling careers in the industry. The tours provide insight on potential career opportunities for students. “Printpack values participating in Manufacturing Day and enjoys being able to host this group of local students,” said Tamara Smith, Printpack process engineer. “It's important that we talk about the many opportunities that manufacturing has to offer. There's a variety of paths that students can take to build successful careers in manufacturing.” Guidance counselors, teachers, School Board members and JCC staff accompanied the students on the tour. The tours conclude with a discussion and lunch at Legacy Hall. Each year during the discussion many students are in awe of the opportunities available in the local manufacturing sector. The local Manufacturing Day is coordinated annually by the County’s Economic Development division and WJCC Schools in conjunction with Glenn Marshall with Association for Manufacturing Excellence.