2025 Manufacturing Meet Greet
Creation Date: 02/25/2025
Southworks has been a proud tradition in Chicago Southland for seven years, fostering regional collaboration between education and manufacturing. This initiative connects high schools, colleges, workforce development agencies, and industry leaders to equip students with the tools and opportunities for success in STEM and advanced manufacturing careers. Key partners include OAI, Inc., Governors State University School of Extended Learning, 3 Seeds Mentoring Group (3seeds3), Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, South Suburban College, Calumet Manufacturing Industrial Sector Partnership, Prairie State College, and Moraine Valley Community College.
Thank you, Amazon and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, for powering this year’s event.
On January 15, 2025, over 200 high school students from 17 schools gathered at the Hall of Governors at Governors State University for the annual Southworks Meet & Greet. They were joined by 25 representatives from 13 manufacturing businesses and three manufacturing workforce-related agencies, all with the shared mission of inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals in manufacturing and STEM fields.
The event commenced at 10:00 AM with a warm welcome from Dr. Beverly Schneller, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs at Governors State University, followed by a presentation by Reggie Greenwood from Governors State University. Jason Thomas from 3 Seeds Mentoring recapped the achievements of 2024 and provided a thrilling preview of the 2025 Robotics Competition. Industry representatives also briefly introduced themselves and their companies.
In addition to discussing career pathways, industry experts highlighted the importance of manufacturing registered apprenticeships as a direct path to high-wage, high-skill jobs. Representatives from workforce development organizations and apprenticeship sponsors provided students with information on structured training programs that combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job learning. These apprenticeships offer a debt-free alternative to traditional college degrees, equipping young professionals with hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials. The centerpiece of the program was a series of engaging roundtable discussions. Through three 15-minute sessions, students met and interacted directly with different industry professionals to explore career pathways and discuss the evolving skills needed for success in the modern manufacturing landscape. This interactive format fostered meaningful conversations and gave students valuable insights into potential career trajectories.
The success of the Southworks 2025 Meet & Greet would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of participating schools, businesses, and workforce agencies. We extend our gratitude to the following schools for their enthusiastic participation: Reavis Community High School Dist 220 Educational Foundation, Thornton Township High School, Oak Forest High School, Tinley Park High School, Hillcrest High School, Rich Township High School District 227, Bremen High School, Carl Sandburg High School, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Alan B. Shepard High School, Harold L. Richards High School, Summit High School, and Delta Learning Center.
We also wish to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of the following companies:
- Amazon
- Sherwin-Williams
- National Tube Supply Co.
- CTO Enterprises
- Morrison Container Handling Solutions
- Mi-Jack Products
- Cleveland-Cliffs
- Gallagher Asphalt
- ITW
- Gotion Inc.
- Agrati Group
- Uesco Industries, Inc.
- D14 Aviation
Additionally, we thank the manufacturing workforce agencies for their integral and staff support: Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Calumet Area Industrial Commission, and Office of Apprenticeship (OA) at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
A special thank you goes to Mayor Rick Reinbold from the Village of Richton Park, IL, for being a guest and for his continued support of this initiative. Your presence and encouragement have added immense value to our mission.
Together, we are building the future of manufacturing!