More than 90 manufacturers across West Michigan will host more than 150 student tours this fall as part of Discover Manufacturing Week 2025. The initiative, led by Discover Manufacturing – an industry talent council of West Michigan Works! – aims to inspire the next generation of professionals in advanced manufacturing while . The tours run from Oct. 13 through Nov. 25 and provide middle and high school students with firsthand exposure to local career opportunities, advanced manufacturing environments, and the people who make the region’s economy run.
New for 2025, the West Michigan Works! Agribusiness Talent Council is joining this year’s effort to highlight the importance of food manufacturers during student tours. The food and agriculture system accounts for about 17% of Michigan’s total employment, with more than 31,500 agribusiness jobs in West Michigan.
Educators can register their classroom for a Discover Manufacturing Week tour now through Oct. 10, 2025.
Discover Manufacturing Week aligns with the spirit of National Manufacturing Week, held nationally from Sep. 29 through Oct. 3, by highlighting the growing demand for a skilled workforce in fields such as robotics, machining, engineering, and supply chain management. The initiative also aims to bust myths about the industry and showcase clean, high-tech environments, engaged employees, and real-world examples of creativity and problem-solving. Now in its 11th year, Discover Manufacturing Week continues to grow.
“Discover Manufacturing Week continues to grow because it is effective,” said
Ryan Graham, Community and Parent Liaison, Kent Career Tech Center and Discover Manufacturing council member. “The experiences are critical. When students step inside an advanced manufacturing facility and talk to real employees, they begin to see career possibilities they didn’t know existed. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and the real world.”
According to the National Association of Manufacturers, Michigan employs approximately 595,800 people in over 12,000 manufacturing companies, with manufacturing accounting for $115.2 billion in economic value, which is roughly 16.3% of the state’s GDP. Employers across Allegan, Barry, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties are currently signed up to participate.
That impact is echoed by educators who see firsthand how these experiences reshape students’ perceptions and open their eyes to new possibilities. All surveyed educators reported being satisfied with their tour.
“The various stations and continual movement kept them engaged,” said Emily Herro, teacher, Grandville Middle School. “At each station, students participated in hands-on activities and saw real people at work. We even had a few students say they want to work there in the future and asked about next steps.”
With nearly 51,200 average annual openings expected and key manufacturing occupations projected to grow by more than six percent by 2030, the demand for skilled talent remains high.
