MakerFest is connecting our future workforce to the careers of today and tomorrow.
MakerFest is scheduled for October 9 and 10 at the Allen County Fairgrounds. Tim Fitzpatrick, Business and Regional Workforce Development Director at the Allen Economic Development Group, told us that MakerFest gives 9th and 10th graders an opportunity to learn about local careers through hands-on demonstrations and the chance to explore the training they’ll need to acquire those positions in our region. MakerFest increases awareness by helping students gain exposure to a wide range of career paths, industries, and skills they may not have previously considered, and it connects students with employers, building direct connections between students and local/regional businesses, creating opportunities for internships, mentorships, and future employment. This year, there are 56 participating businesses and 22 participating schools, which are bringing more than 1,500 students. To show us a sample of the activities students can engage in, Tim asked club members at each table build a tower out of marshmallow and toothpicks. After 5 minutes of laughter and sagging towers, the winner was announced. Congratulations to David, Curtis, Aaron, Tim and Michael whose tower reached 17 inches! The exercise can be used to show students about careers in architecture, engineering and construction. The overall goal of MakerFest is to expose students to careers in the region, the pathways to their careers, introduce them to companies in this community and to keep our talent pool local.
