Students looking at the model skeleton at DiscoverME 2024. Photo courtesy of OrthoWorx.
news release
WARSAW — Last week, nearly 1,000 eighth grade students across Kosciuszko County participated in educational and career opportunities in advanced manufacturing through OrthoWorx’s DiscoverME (Manufacturing Experience) program.
DiscoverME provides a community- and industry-responsive curriculum that introduces manufacturing to students at a pivotal time, as they begin to consider high school courses and their career interests. Students experienced an assembly at Warsaw High School’s TRAC, where they participated in hands-on learning stations and then toured one of the manufacturing facilities in the community.
“We really enjoy hosting DiscoverME tours at Precision Medical. Watching our team interact with students highlights the importance of these events.” says Paige Troyer, Human Resources Director at Precision Medical Technologies. This is an 8th grade level. ”
Middle school students from Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw, Wawasee and Witko were exposed to the different jobs available in the manufacturing industry and learned about educational pathways to get there. Field trip industries during this year’s program included Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Instrument Development, Medartis, Paragon Medical, Polywood, Precision Medical Technologies, and Zimmer Biomet.
“Sometimes opportunities just aren’t right around the corner, so DiscoverME is an important way for young people to visualize how they can connect their skills and interests to Kosciusko County’s vibrant manufacturing industry. We’re doing our part,” said Allyn Decker, vice president of operations and engagement. With OrthoWorx. “With the right training and development, high-tech, high-paying careers can begin right after high school, and we’re excited to help students get started on that career path today. .”
In addition to the DiscoverME program, OrthoWorx plans to release three virtual reality experiences in partnership with iXplore and industry partners. The three programs are CNC Machining, Grinding and Entrepreneurship, and all 8th grade students in the county will experience the programs in January and February 2025.
Students watch a demonstration at DiscoverME 2024.
