Lynette Nettles, a Rockwell embedded software manager, helps two students with the programming instructions for their LEGO robot. 
Jordan Konst, a Rockwell industry consultant, and Jennifer Myers, a Rockwell project manager, assist three high schoolers in coding their LEGO robot to follow a path. 
Lindsay Henton, a Rockwell channels team lead, helps two students to program a LEGO robot. 
Rockwell’s information table included a FANUC robotic arm programmed to move dice in a pattern around a peg board.
CLEVELAND, October 12, 2021 /3BL Media/ - Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) and the Great Lakes Science Center hosted hundreds of Cleveland-area students from 10 schools Oct. 4 for MFG Day. The annual event inspires the next generation of creators and makers with a month-long schedule of events that demonstrate the possibilities and opportunities in modern manufacturing careers.
Rockwell and the Great Lakes Science Center, partnering with Ohio’s Timken, Lincoln Electric, Swagelok, Ohio CAT and Parker, provided students with interactive advanced manufacturing and technology experiences that included augmented reality, LEGO robot coding, and virtual welding.
Marzell Brown, manager of Internet of Things Engineering and Academic Enablement, shared how this event came together to support the region.
“Having this event as a collaboration of companies, schools, districts and community partners galvanized the movement of Manufacturing Day,” Brown said. “This effort shows that our region stands together when it comes to engagement, volunteerism, career exploration and lifting up manufacturing across Northeast Ohio for our students, the next generation of manufacturing employees.”
James Clark, Rockwell director of Quality, and Aaliyah Brown, a Rockwell process engineer as well as a Cleveland State University and MC2 STEM High School graduate, were among the Rockwell employees that met with participating students.
“This event was a success in so many ways,” Clark said. “We had a great turnout from all participating companies, and it made me especially proud seeing the red shirts of our Rockwell volunteers. I saw high levels of engagement from the high school students in attendance, especially with our hands-on projects. Our future is in bright hands!”
Brown added, “Manufacturing Day was a refreshing experience for me after more than a year of not being able to engage with students in person. The early career panel, which I moderated throughout the day, gave employees a unique opportunity to connect with students and openly reflect on their careers in manufacturing. I’m already very excited for what’s to come next year!”
Learn more about MFG Day, presented by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute and Rockwell Automation careers. Watch Rockwell’s Makers Wanted video.
Published October 12, 2021