VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — High faculty college students throughout Hampton Roads took half in a know-how and manufacturing-based summer season camp, this weekend. 

The annual STIHL Manufacturing Technology Summer Camp returned for the primary time for the reason that  COVID pandemic. This is its ninth yr.

It offers highschool college students hands-on expertise in technology-based trendy manufacturing.

“We really want to expose – not just the students but their parents as well – to what modern manufacturing is. It’s not this dirty, grimy job anymore,” said Courtney Addison, STIHL’s manager of talent development.

The camp is completely free: 34 students are taking part, split into 5 teams. This year, student teams were tasked with designing and manufacturing desk lamps using STIHL components.

“They have two hours to try mass produce as many of our prototypes – which this year is a lamp – within that two-hour timeframe,” Addison said.

Event organizers say the camp is designed to not only teach students about hard work and collaboration but also the importance of planning and product quality. Addison said the camp is also a way to promote careers in modern manufacturing. 

“We like to focus on what it is like to run a manufacturing facility so that includes budgeting, marketing, that includes the hands on-components as well,” Addison said. “We want to expose students to the various job opportunities that are available in modern manufacturing – it’s not just working on the assembly line.”

The camp can also be a pleasant competitors. A panel of judges picked a workforce they thought did the very best job manufacturing the lamps. The winners acquired $1,000 every in scholarships.

Today’s judges included: Rep. Jen Kiggans (R, VA-02); Commissioner of Virginia Department of Labor & Industry, Gary Pan; and Virginia Beach City Councilman Michael Berlucchi.

“It’s so fascinating seeing how the scholars develop even over the three days,” Addison said. “Some of the scholars are available shy perhaps a bit hesitant, perhaps they’ve by no means soldered or drilled earlier than. By the tip of the camp, they go away assured and prepared and feeling like they will do extra.”

The manufacturing camp is a collaboration between Virginia Manufacturers Association and STIHL Inc.