Manufacturing Boot Camp

Gain first-hand experience about the rewarding careers available in manufacturing companies in Marion County.

About this experience...


This summer teachers and school counselors from districts in Marion and surrounding Counties will have the opportunity to participate in the “Teacher Manufacturing Boot Camp” being organized by America’s Workforce Development Capital, Marion Technical College, Ashland University, and The Ohio State University at Marion.

This program will show teachers what really goes on behind the scenes in the manufacturing industry. Participants will gain first-hand experience about the rewarding careers available in manufacturing companies in Marion County and the skills students need to obtain and retain these positions.


Teacher Boot Camp 1.0 - June 2-5, and June 11


Teacher Boot Camp 2.0 - July 8, 9, 10


  • What did participating educators say about this experience?

    The 2022 Teacher Manufacturing Boot Camp was a very valuable experience for me. I teach College and Careers/Work Study at Upper Sandusky High School and can use these experiences I gained in all aspects of the Boot Camp in my daily lessons.

    Touring local manufacturing businesses across Marion and seeing what they produce and how many employment opportunities there are was eye opening. Future students will now know of the vast number of employment paths they can enter right here in their own backyard!

     - Scott Emerick, Upper Sandusky


    Times are changing and the vision of MTC partnerships aligns with business and industry in Marion and surrounding counties to help our youth to develop the skills set for great paying jobs. The bootcamp allowed teachers to realize what is available, to guide and educate the students that they can develop their skill set to prepare for life after high school without going to a 4 year college. Allowing these young people to become productive citizens in our community and leaders for the future. 

     - Kris Guthrie, Ridgedale Schools


    Teacher Bootcamp was a rewarding experience, giving me insight into various businesses in the area. As I toured each plant, I saw many ways to help my students understand employer work requirements, work ethics, need for safety, cleanliness, precision and teamwork. Every single manufacturer had something that fit into my science curriculum; every single manufacturer made me proud to live in this community and want to go to work for them! There are so many incredible job opportunities available to youth today, as they graduate from high school. Every manufacturer also offered great benefits as well as opportunities to move up in the company, receiving quality education and tuition reimbursement along the way. Learning about some hidden gems in the local manufacturing arena was a real treat for me. Now, as I travel through the community, I know what is being made at each facility!  - 

     - Pam Holman, River Valley Local Schools


    I felt the teacher bootcamp was great for numerous reasons but most of all I feel it was beneficial for current teachers to listen to local employers discuss current strengths and weaknesses of new hires. This should help schools and teachers communicate and develop the needed work skills in the K-12 classroom. I would like to see local employers continue to be a supportive voice and collaborate with local schools to help improve the overall educational experience. 

     - Scott Murphy, Marion City Schools


    I can say that I was inspired by the teacher bootcamp. I was impressed by the commitment and effort demonstrated by the employees in our local manufacturing facilities. I teach engineering and robotics. I was able to see clearly the 2D and 3D cadd used and how. I was able to see the kinds of robots used. I was able to see the kind of measurement instruments being used. I was able to hear loud and clear what the employers wanted me to impress on the students to prepare them to work in Marion. 

     - Dave Sieg, Ridgedale Schools

Teahers and counselors who are selected for participation in the Boot Camp will receive the following benefits:

  • 3 graduate credit hours from Ashland University. Funding provided from The Office of Workforce Transformation, Lt. Governor, Jon Husted. Participants must register and follow through with Ashland’s application process. (This is a $540.00 savings.)
  • Material to use in the classroom based upon information learned throughout the week. All educators will create a project/unit to use with students.
  • Instruction and guidance from top-level professionals at participating manufacturers, Ashland University, Marion Technical College, The Ohio State University-Marion Campus, and America’s Workforce Development Capital.