Manufacturing Day is a North American-wide initiative to highlight career paths in the manufacturing sector
More than 1,000 Windsor-Essex high school students stepped onto local shop floors last week for a hands-on look at careers in one of the region’s largest industries.
The 12th annual Windsor-Essex Manufacturing Day connected students with 21 manufacturers for a hands-on look at careers in one of the region’s largest industries.
“Manufacturing Day gives us the opportunity to introduce younger generations to the skill, technology, and opportunities that make our industry so rewarding,” said Denis Comartin, president and co-owner of Absolute Tool Technologies, one of the event’s sponsors.
“Inspiring young people to pursue careers in manufacturing is essential to keeping the knowledge and craftsmanship of the skilled trades strong for years to come.”
Manufacturing Day is a North American-wide initiative to highlight career paths and address labour gaps in the sector.
According to Statistics Canada’s August 2026 Labour Force Survey, an estimated 54,200 people are employed in manufacturing in Windsor-Essex – approximately 22.2 per cent of the region’s 244,100 employed workforce.
“Manufacturing Day gives students a firsthand look at the innovation, technology and diverse career opportunities that make Windsor-Essex a leader in advanced manufacturing,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Invest WindsorEssex.
“By bringing students, educators, and industry together, we are helping build awareness of the skills and careers that will drive our economy forward.”
The event was a collaboration between Workforce WindsorEssex, Invest WindsorEssex, the Canadian Association of Mold Makers, and Automate Canada.