Show Hopes To Attract Young Minds

Half of the event was for industry representatives to meet with customers and potential customers, but the morning was handed over to high school students with an interest in the industry.

More than 350 students were in attendance at the show.

"These businesses in the aerospace industry are the high value long career jobs that are not being outsourced overseas," said Alan Samuel, of Aerospace Components Manufacturers. "These are really the type of businesses that will stand up in Connecticut's economy in the long run."

The small to mid-sized businesses from the greater Hartford area are manufacturers and suppliers to the aerospace industry, and many of the students said it was a great way to get a sense of what the companies require in terms of qualifications and education for entry-level positions.

"I'm definitely interested in this career," said Westfield Tech student Jordan Kornacki. "At first I didn't like the program, but then I got into it and I can't imagine doing anything else."

Company representatives said they were pleasantly surprised by the degree of interest and sophistication of the students.

"Manufacturing is sort of a dying trade," said Seta Marangoudakis, of Barnes Windsor Division. "It was very hopeful when you have young students coming in, asking questions."

This is the fourth year the Manufacturers Association has held an event like this and officials said each year the number of students showing interest has increased each year.