Encouraging Women in STEM Through Manufacturing Internships

In recent years, there has been an overall decline in the number of people entering manufacturing, although there is an increase in manufacturing jobs.

With a decline in skilled workers entering the market, companies are having to find ways to attract good talent. One way Pentaflex is doing this is by hiring and training interns. Not only can students get valuable experience working on the job, they can also get a better understanding of the many opportunities available to them.

Female Manufacturing Intern

Intern Claire Lavoie standing with Director of Quality Jim Zerkle

This summer, we worked with Claire Lavoie, an intern from Ohio State University. After completing her freshman year she joined us to experience all aspects of the shop floor.

Claire worked in our Stamping Department, the Assembly Department, and in Quality Control. Near the end of her time with us, she was assigned several projects to work on which involved data gathering and analysis. Claire led a team through a problem solving exercise which resulted in her assisting in the design of a gauge to be used in the Stamping Department. This new gauge will ensure better quality for parts used in an automated assembly process.

Apprenticeships are the perfect way for companies to find quality workers and to increase gender diversity in the workforce by reaching out to women. Historically, manufacturing has been a male-dominated industry, but with more women entering the STEM fields, companies may have a better time closing the skills gap.

Attracting younger people is key to manufacturing. Getting the word out that manufacturing is no longer what it used to be means letting young adults explore the many career paths manufacturing offers.

To learn more about our career openings and hiring efforts, please call us at 937-325-5551. We look forward to hearing from you!