Honda’s annual Manufacturing Day events looked a little different this year.
The 10th annual celebration took a virtual format, with various online activities for students and teachers designed to highlight opportunities available through a career in modern manufacturing.
“The future success of Honda, and society as a whole, relies on developing the next generation of people who are passionate about making and building things,” said Rick Schostek, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
He added, “Manufacturing Day is a great opportunity to shine a light on our industry, showcase our commitment to the next generation workforce and let society know about the outstanding careers and opportunities that exist in manufacturing.”
Historically, the events have included in-person plant tours, presentations and problem-solving simulations for students.
Honda officials said “hosting this year’s event required some creative thinking.”
The virtual Manufacturing Day still allowed Honda associates to share their experiences and skills with students from high schools, STEM schools, technical centers and two- and four-year colleges.
More than 80 schools in Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and South Carolina were invited to participate in Friday’s virtual activities.
Of those were 17 Ohio schools, including Marysville Early College High School and Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.
Local Honda plants who took part in the events included the Anna Engine Plant, East Liberty Auto Plant and Marysville Auto Plant.
Leaders from several Honda facilities hosted live question-and-answer sessions with students to share their insights into the manufacturing industry.
Students also heard about the processes used in Honda facilities and how products ranging from automobiles to aircrafts are created.
Officials said the live video meetings were coupled with activities “designed to mirror the problem solving that takes place every day in the manufacturing setting.”
Honda shared a popular “EdHeads” manufacturing video game with participating schools. The game provides players with a number of manufacturing-based challenges to solve and has been played more than 620,000 times since it was created in 2015.
The company also established a Manufacturing Day website which features videos about manufacturing, information about career opportunities available in the field and a recording of Friday’s live event.
“Honda has been a true industry leader in helping to build the modern manufacturing workforce,” said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers and chairman of the board of The Manufacturing Institute.
“From its commitment to MFG Day to its historic investment in our Creators Wanted campaign, Honda is showing students, parents and educators the extraordinary opportunities available in our high tech industry,” he added.