Students at the booth scratched off some of the coating and then poured sodium bicarbonate, which mimics a carbonated beverage, to see the reaction, “and it corroded the pop lid,” Brayden said.

Benton appreciated learning about all of the local companies at the event.

“These are all new to me,” he said.

Leo is interested in a career in astronomy engineering and came to the event to learn more about it.

“But I also wanted to see how all the extra companies around here – what they do,” he said. “Maybe they have something affiliated with what I’d like to do.” 

Nicolas said students were invited to Manufacturing Day based on their career interests.

“We had this survey of what jobs we want to do in the future,” he said. “And then our guidance counselor reached out to us and asked if we wanted to go to this event.”

National Manufacturing Day is observed annually on the first Friday in October, which is Manufacturing Month.

Alex Hertzer, MVMC executive director, said it’s a day to celebrate manufacturing.

“It’s always been our opportunity to kind of make a big display about manufacturing careers and all the opportunities that exist there,” he said.

Jackie Ruller, director of YSU’s ETC, said it highlights alternative career pathways for students. It also spreads the word about the Excellence Training Center.

“If they don’t necessarily want a two-year or four-year degree, they can come get certifications,” she said.

And it allows students to talk to companies in the Valley, learning about them and the careers they offer. The ETC is a complement to what YSU provides. 

“If you’re a traditional engineering student and you don’t have a lot of hands-on classes, come here and take a two-day or four-day certificate class,” she said. “Get that hands-on experience to complement your program, and that sets you apart from maybe other engineering students who may be applying for the same job.”

Besides leading the aluminum pop can experiment, Cris Pinter, human resources vice president at Novelis, informed students about the company and its available opportunities.

Novelis has locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia and focuses on the beverage packaging, automotive, aerospace and specialty industries. 

Like most manufacturers, the company needs electricians and mechanics. For years, students were told they needed to earn a degree to secure a well-paying job, Pinter said.

“So now I don’t have anyone to install and troubleshoot and repair my equipment,” she said. “So I’m hoping that with the community and the youth outreach that we’re talking to kids and letting them know that you can make a great living.”

Pictured at top: Lakeview High School juniors Nicolas Siekel, Brayden Shanower and Benton Beerbower.