STIHL supports next generation of skilled trades workers

STIHL in collaboration with the Virginia Manufacturers Association is fostering the next generation of skilled manufacturing workers one teenage camper at a time.

Recently, the company hosted 34 high school students at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach for its ninth Manufacturing Technology Summer camp.

This marked the first year the camp has been held since 2019, returning with a forward-looking theme: “Lighting the Future.”

“This camp is a great way to promote local manufacturing and introduce students to careers in a field that they may not otherwise have exposure to,” said Lorraine Amesbury Holder, senior vice president of operations at STIHL.

This free four-day program provided high school students experience with manufacturing process planning, budgeting, and product quality, as well as the significance of hard work and collaboration.

“Not only do the students walk away from this camp learning about STIHL, this camp leaves students excited about pursuing careers in manufacturing after they graduate, helping STIHL and other companies fill their future positions,” said Holder.

Students were given a hands-on technology-based project working in teams to build desk lamps using the company’s components.

“This program allows us to engage with students and introduce them to a STEM career field and new technologies, with the goal of really getting them passionate about this industry and correcting any old misconceptions they may have about manufacturing,” said Courtney Addison, manager of talent development at STIHL.