Illinois manufacturers have a lot to be proud of—and a lot to look forward to. The next generation is showing growing interest in manufacturing, engineering, technology, and the trades (METT). But they need your help to turn that interest into real career paths.
In 2025, 35,803 public high school students across Illinois took at least one METT class. That’s an 8.4% increase from the year before—a sign that hands-on, career-focused learning is catching on. Even better, 12,784 students became METT Concentrators, meaning they completed three or more METT courses during high school. That number jumped 12.2% in just one year. Clearly, once students get a taste of applied learning, they’re hooked. 1
At the same time, we’re seeing a shift in what comes after high school. Fewer than half of Illinois graduates in 2025 enrolled in a four-year college, following a national trend. Many young people say college just doesn’t feel worth the cost anymore—either because of affordability or because they’re unsure of the payoff. 1
For manufacturers, this is a moment of opportunity. Thousands of young people are looking for meaningful, stable, and well-paying careers that don’t require a traditional college degree. Manufacturing can offer exactly that—but students need to see it and experience it for themselves.
When asked what helped them most in shaping their post-graduation plans, students with clear goals pointed to teachers, family, hands-on classes, counselors, and career exploration experiences—things like tours, classroom speakers, and real-world learning opportunities. On the other hand, students who were unsure about their future said they wished they’d had more career exploration and hands-on experiences earlier in high school. 2
The takeaway is simple: exposure matters. When students meet people who work in manufacturing and see modern facilities in action, their perception of the industry changes. They start to see a future for themselves there.
That’s where you come in. Illinois manufacturers have a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of talent by getting involved—whether that means opening your doors, sharing your story, or supporting local education programs.
Here are a few easy ways to make a difference:
- Host a student tour. Let young people see what manufacturing really looks like today—clean, high-tech, and full of opportunity.
- Visit a classroom. Sharing your career journey or a cool project from your company can spark interest in ways textbooks can’t.
- Offer internships or job shadowing. Hands-on experiences give students confidence and a clear sense of what a career in manufacturing can be.
- Support GCAMP’s programs so we can expand these opportunities across more communities..
These connections don’t just help students—they help your company and the entire manufacturing sector stay strong for the long term. The high schoolers taking METT courses today are the potential engineers, technicians, and leaders of tomorrow.
Momentum is building. Interest is growing. The next generation is ready — they just need a bridge between the classroom and the career. GCAMP exists to be that bridge, but we rely on the partnership and generosity of manufacturers like you to make it happen.
Let’s work together to make sure every student in Illinois has the chance to discover what a future in manufacturing can look like. Because when we connect curiosity with opportunity, we build more than careers — we build the future of manufacturing in Illinois.
The next generation is ready to roll up their sleeves. Let’s meet them halfway.
1 Navigating Progress: College and Career Readiness in 2025 By Emily Rusca & Dominique Janvier. Nov 5, 2025
2 What Helped, What Didn't: Honest Feedback from Manufacturing Pathway Students By Education Systems Center. Aug 6, 2025
