North San Diego County Students Learn of Emerging Opportunities for Careers in Engineering and Manufacturing

A college degree might not be for everyone, but the opportunity to work in manufacturing and engineering could be for the more than 1,100 students who will attend the Second Annual North County Manufacturing and Engineering Day Expo, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., October 1, 2019, at California State University, San Marcos.

The all-day event brings middle school and high school students throughout North San Diego County together to learn about the career opportunities at many of the 3,000 manufacturing and biotechnology companies throughout the region.
 
The Expo is an ongoing collaboration between the San Diego North Economic Development Council, California State University, San Marcos, MiraCosta College, and Palomar College. It is intended to develop a pipeline of workers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM.
 
“We know that one of the biggest challenges companies face is talent attraction,” said W. Erik Bruvold, chief executive officer of the San Diego North Economic Development Council. “Given the amount of education and training needed, it’s important to get students thinking about careers in engineering, technology, science and manufacturing as early as we can.”
 
Students from San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and as far away as Warner Springs will learn from participating manufacturers and biotechnology companies about what is needed to land a good-paying job.
 
The region’s colleges and universities will also be exhibiting programs that prepare students for one of the county’s 110,000 manufacturing jobs.
 
One exhibitor at the expo and a leader in career education is MiraCosta College, home to the Technology Career Institute. Now in its fifth year, the Institute offers intensive 21-week certificate programs that can prepare individuals for a job in less than six months.
 
Featuring the latest instruction in manufacturing, MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute can prepare students for jobs in welding, machining, engineering technician, repairing biomedical equipment, and even craft brewing. The institute also offers unmanned systems (ROV/drone) repair and operations.
 
MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute is partially funded by a $6 million grant by the Department of Labor and is part of MiraCosta College’s Community Education & Workforce Development department. It offers local community members the opportunity to enhance their lives and their careers with low-cost, hassle-free classes, workshops and programs. From enrichment classes to job training programs, the TCI provides the types of classes that make it easy for students to reach their goals, no matter what age. All of the programs and classes at the TCI are fee-based and not-for-credit.
 
“The whole idea of North County Manufacturing and Engineering Day Expo is to provide middle and high school students with the options and possibilities that are out there in manufacturing and engineering,” said Kristin Maccarrone, outreach specialist, MiraCosta College Technology Career Institute.

In celebration of Manufacturing (MFG) Day, MiraCosta College is engaged in several additional events.