The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Ridley School District students, Sen. Tom McGarrigle, and Ridley Township Commissioner Bob Willert visited The Boeing Company last Friday in celebration of National Manufacturing Day.

National Manufacturing Day addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. By working together during and after National Manufacturing Day, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.

“The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with The Boeing Company to show the students of Ridley School District the occupational opportunities in the field of manufacturing that are right in their backyard,” said Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. “Nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed over the next decade and 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap.

“The chamber is working to partner with more manufacturers and school districts in Delaware County to provide more educational opportunities like this in the future through our new program, Magnifying Manufacturing.”

“Ridley students participating in National Manufacturing Day with Boeing is an opportunity to experience the changing look and feel of manufacturing,” said Lee Ann Wentzel, Ridley School District Superintendent. “At the same time, these students may begin to envision how their classroom skills will translate as the future of manufacturing.”

Katherine McGinley, Ridley High School Assistant Principal, accompanied the students on their trip to Boeing.

“Our students were thrilled with the opportunity to visit the Chinook facility and to realize that this amazing aircraft is only manufactured here at the Ridley Boeing facility,” McGinley said. “They were so excited to discuss their favorite parts of the tour and how it can apply to the educational and career paths that lie ahead of them.

“Ridley students are truly fortunate to be included in this partnership program, and we look forward to continuing this tradition.”

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the manufacturing industry supports nearly 17.2 million jobs in the U.S. In Delaware County, Boeing is one of the largest employers and manufacturing companies with nearly 4,500 employees.

“Manufacturing harnesses the talents and hard work of Americans to create the most impressive products the world has ever known, as well as good-paying, family-supporting jobs,” said McGarrigle. “Boeing is a shining example of that concept and a testament to American strength and ingenuity.”