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Inspiring the next generation of manufacturers
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Southeast Bulloch Middle School student Wyatt Thompson, center, tests the hardness of his hard hat while taking a tour of the Howard Lumber sawmill. "Safety First" was a lesson taught by all of the participating companies.

 Local middle school students participated in Manufacturing Day tours Thursday, and were treated to on-site tours and presentations from six of Bulloch County's leading manufacturers. The special day was used to highlight high-tech jobs in the hopes of inspiring the next generation of manufacturers. 

Tenth grade students will be identified in the spring for Future Manufacturers Day to experience hands-on activities.

Local industries like Viracon, Briggs & Stratton, MD Products, Howard Lumber, The Sack Company and Great Dane have partnered with the school system and Ogeechee Technical College to offer soft skills training, apprenticeships, skills experiences, signing incentives and post-secondary scholarships to help students achieve career success.

The Manufacturing Day and career opportunities are the result of a collaboration between the Bulloch County Development Authority, Bulloch County Schools, local industry and local post-secondary institutions.

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Southeast Bulloch Middle School student Jacorey Lee and some of his classmates get to touch some finished lumber ready to be shipped from Howard lumber. While safety and caution were stressed, students got some hands-on experiences during their visits.
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Howard Lumber CFO Zack Stroup exhibits some of the tradition tools of lumber production before leading a group of Southeast Bulloch Middle School students through their modern high-tech mill.