Manufacturing
Manufacturing accounts for almost 10% of the workforce in Illinois and the average annual compensation for a manufacturing employee is over $80,000. Illinois manufacturers produce over 100 billion dollars in product each year.*
Companies in the VALEES region produce Space X rocket components, flavors found in gum and soda, custom designed envelopes and packages, and everything in between. Working in manufacturing can be an exciting, rewarding, and high paying career.
*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau, National Association of Manufacturers
what do manufacturers do?
While manufacturing creates millions of unique components and products, some manufacturing processes are universal. Follow the links below to learn about each manufacturing process. Most videos courtesy of Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA):
Mold Maker |
Mold Making Matters Educational Series |
Mold Making Technology YouTube Channel |
CNC Machinist |
CNC Machinist 2 |
Tool and Die Maker |
Precision Welder |
Tool Engineer |
Quality Inspector |
2020 Virtual Manufacturing Week
October 26 – 30
Hosted by VALLEY INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION (VIA), VALEES, and Participating Manufacturers
With VIA and the companies listed below, VALEES is bringing manufacturing into the classrooms of middle and high school students with Virtual Visits this October. Participating students will learn about different manufacturing processes, career paths and the skills needed to begin a successful career in manufacturing.
Click on the company logo to learn more about each business, and then follow the video links to watch a special video created by each company for Virtual Manufacturing Week.
career opportunities and training
There are many associations, colleges, and community programs that can help you get the skills you need to begin or advance in a manufacturing career.
Click on the following logos to explore manufacturing training and/or job opportunities.
2021-2022 School Year MFG DAY TOURS for high school and middle school students
Each year VALEES partners with Valley Industrial Association (VIA) and local manufacturers to provide manufacturing tours for Middle and High School students. Students meet with local manufacturers to learn about manufacturing career pathways, entry-level job requirements and pay, and internship opportunities.
If you are a manufacturer and are interested in participating in the manufacturing tours for the 2021-2022 school year please complete this FORM
