More than 170 high school students, parents, counselors and instructors visited DMACC’s Ankeny Campus on Oct. 9 for Discover DMACC Manufacturing & Engineering Day, an immersive event designed to introduce participants to career opportunities in two of Iowa’s most in-demand industries.
The event gave attendees a firsthand look at DMACC’s Manufacturing and Engineering Pathway and its myriad programs through a series of hands-on activities led by faculty and industry partners. Participants selected either a manufacturing or engineering track and rotated through five sessions throughout the day.
Students in the manufacturing track explored Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Tool & Diemaking, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and welding. Engineering-focused participants took part in activities related to engineering transfer programs, industrial technology, robotics and control systems engineering technology, and electronics engineering technology. The day concluded with an industry fair where representatives from Iowa companies connected with students who were interested in learning more about potential career opportunities.
Many sessions included interactive projects that allowed students to experience the work firsthand, from building and testing bridges to creating toy tops, programming robots and welding a phone stand.
Feedback from highlighted the value of learning about the wide variety of career options available in manufacturing and engineering. Survey responses noted the diverse opportunities within the fields, strong workforce demand and the hands-on experience students gained during the event.
Discover DMACC Days — hosted each spring and fall — are designed to help prospective students explore academic programs, connect with faculty and industry professionals and learn how DMACC can help prepare them for rewarding careers across Iowa's workforce sectors.
Interested in attending Discover DMACC? Stay tuned for the Spring 2027 semester dates and/or contact Taylor Reth, Manufacturing, Engineering, Trades, and Transportation Coordinator at tmreth@dmacc.edu.
To learn more about Discover DMACC Days, visit: https://www.dmacc.edu/workbasedlearning/events.html