River Parishes Community College (RPCC) celebrated National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) with two hands-on, interactive events designed to introduce local middle school students to high-demand careers in manufacturing and skilled trades.
Nearly 500 eighth-grade students from Ascension Parish schools visited RPCC’s Gonzales Campus on October 17, followed by 400 students from St. John the Baptist Parish who attended the event at the Reserve Campus on October 24.
Each event gave students the opportunity to explore career pathways through interactive demonstrations, industry exhibits, and conversations with instructors from RPCC programs aligned with the region’s leading manufacturing and industrial companies. Students engaged directly with equipment and technology, learning how local employers are shaping the future of Louisiana’s workforce.
“Manufacturing Day allows us to connect what students are learning in the classroom to real-world opportunities right here in our community,” said RPCC Chancellor Quintin D. Taylor. “Events like these are about sparking curiosity, showing students the range of possibilities available to them, and demonstrating how technical education opens doors to great careers.”
The events were made possible through collaboration with regional industry partners, such as the event sponsor Marathon, and local school systems. Both campuses transformed into career exploration hubs—featuring live process technology demonstrations, welding simulations, and informational sessions on programs such as Early College Option, Drafting, and Millwright.
“Manufacturing Day is a powerful example of how education and industry can come together to inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Tarie Roberson, RPCC’s Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement. “By engaging more than 900 STEM students from Ascension and St. John the Baptist Parishes, we’re not only showcasing the advanced technologies shaping today’s manufacturing careers, but also helping students see a future for themselves right here in our region.”
RPCC’s participation in Manufacturing Day underscores the college’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and workforce training that aligns with regional industry needs and drives economic growth throughout the River Parishes.
For more information about RPCC’s workforce and technical training programs, visit www.rpcc.edu.