President and Founder of Edge Factor, Jeremy Bout was the keynote speaker at the Manufacturing Day event at Rock Valley College, Advanced Technology Center on Thursday, October 3. Jeremy is a manufacturer-turned-filmmaker, and his presentation shared pieces of his story as well as stories from Edge Factor’s library. These stories featured real-life people who have used their minds, hands, and advanced technology to push back the edge of what’s possible.

“Manufacturing Day provides an amazing opportunity to inspire and engage the next generation of makers. Using the power of storytelling, we aim to capture their imaginations and spark the question, ‘How can I launch a rewarding career that brings my interests and skills to life?’ Together with CEANCI and Rock Valley College, the high school students in Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties who attended this event saw that manufacturers build the world around us, shape the future, and powerfully impact people’s lives,” said Jeremy Bout, President & Founder of Edge Factor.

As a critically acclaimed, award-winning filmmaker, public speaker, and entrepreneur, Jeremy Bout is passionate about helping companies tackle workforce development in their community.  Edge Factor inspires people to explore, prepare and connect on their career journey. Jeremy believes, "It all starts with a good story," and the Edge Factor platform is filled with diverse faces, voices, and stories that help learners see with new eyes, the careers that could be a great fit for them.

Students participating in Manufacturing Day were from the following schools:

• Byron High School
• East High School
• Harlem High School
• Hononegah High School
• Jefferson High School
• North Boone High School
• Roosevelt High School
• Stillman Valley High School
• Winnebago High School

Prior to hearing from keynote speaker, Jeremy Bout, students toured various manufacturers including:

• Rockford Tool Craft
• PCI Pharma
• Ingersoll Cutting Tools
• Bridgeway
• Ingersoll Machine Tools
• Hennig
• Collins Aerospace
• PBC Linear
• Triangle Metal
• Bourn & Koch
• IMA Automation
• Kadon CNC Precision
• Swenson Spreader
• Bergstrom
• Imperial Punch

The goal of the annual Manufacturing Day event is to open students' eyes to the extraordinary career opportunities available in our community. In addition, students are exposed to the many training opportunities at Rock Valley College. Students got a firsthand look at the many training opportunities offered at RVC’s Advanced Technology Center.

(Pictured: Grant Schubert, RVC Executive Director of Industry Development, Jeremy Bout, Edge Factor CEO, and Vonnie Busker, RVC Manager of Continuing Education and event co-coordinator)

“Rock Valley College is excited to open the doors to our Advanced Technology Center to show area high school students the opportunities that await them,” said Dr. Howard Spearman, President of Rock Valley College. “The ATC was created to be a regional hub to train skilled workers for our community’s workforce pipeline. Our graduates fill key positions in our area giving us not only a regional impact but a global one as well.”

This year’s planning committee included Rock Valley College, CEANCI, and area Economic Development offices. Each year, the committee intentionally includes female students interested in manufacturing. This year, the team also engaged local students with different abilities. 

About Edge Factor

Edge Factor’s smart platform and story-driven tools inspire people to explore, prepare, and connect on their career journey. Together with schools, companies, and service providers, Edge Factor empowers learners of all ages to discover careers and get connected to real-world opportunities. For more information visit https://blog.edgefactor.com/.

 

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