Category: Why Axis

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Why Axis

The Why Axis: Submitted by Maura Bridges

“I believe manufacturing is vital to our community because it fuels our local economy, provides stable, well-paying jobs, and drives innovation right here at home. In McHenry County, it’s not just about production—it’s about opportunity.

For our educational system, manufacturing provides a real-world pathway for students to apply the knowledge they gain in math, science, and technology. It provides schools with an opportunity to connect their curriculum to careers, whether through career and technical education (CTE), internships, or partnerships with local manufacturers.

Most importantly, manufacturing opens doors for students. Not every young person wants—or needs—to take a traditional four-year college route. Manufacturing offers clear, rewarding career paths that combine hands-on skills with high-tech training. By investing in manufacturing education and exposure, we empower students with choices, and that builds a stronger future for McHenry County.

That’s why I’ve been proud to be a part of the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium. It brings together educators, industry leaders, and community partners with a shared goal: to create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for our students and to ensure that McHenry County remains strong, skilled, and competitive for years to come.”

Maura Bridges, Coordinator of College and Career Readiness, Harvard CUSD 50

 

Maura officially retired this summer, marking the end of an incredible chapter in education and workforce development. We want to thank Maura for her years of dedication, her passion for students, and her unwavering support of the Consortium’s mission. Her contributions have helped lay the foundation for the next generation of makers in McHenry County.

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Why Axis

The Why Axis: Submitted by Riley Schmucker

“When I graduated from high school, I was set on becoming a nurse. I took all the necessary classes to help me achieve this goal. I chose the college I would attend based on its nursing program. I signed up for all the right courses for that program in my first year. I did all the prep I thought I could to help me achieve my dream. And then, I took college-level chemistry, and my dreams came crashing down. I failed. I never failed any class up to that point. I was devastated and had an existential crisis (it wasn’t that serious, young me, calm down). I spent my whole high school career thinking I could be a nurse, but how could I do that if I couldn’t pass the introductory classes to get there? I knew I didn’t want the rest of my college career to be spent the way I spent my first semester- in the library with tutors, sobbing because I just couldn’t comprehend my coursework.

More than a decade later, I look back on that experience and realize that I should have known I would never have made it as a nurse, not because I’m not smart enough, but because that wasn’t really my passion. That, and the sight of blood, makes me squeamish, but that is beside the point. After I thought of every possible scenario and tried to convince myself I could push through no matter what, I knew this wasn’t supposed to be my journey, and I needed to figure out where my passion thrived.

It has always been a core value of mine to help others, and I thought that meant having a career in the medical field. I wish I could go back to my 17-year-old self and tell her that you can help people in many ways, and helping them find their passion for their career is one of them. When young, impressionable Riley had to decide which career path to take, I was so out of touch with the endless opportunities that I chose something based on ‘what everyone else was doing’ and not what I truly was passionate about. I share this with you because it is the foundation of my ‘why.’

I am grateful that my college advisors introduced me to communications and public relations, and I found what lit a fire in me, utilizing the skills I have and what I enjoy to make a difference. But if I had the resources available to try out what I thought I wanted in high school, maybe I would have found this path a little sooner (and saved a few dollars along the way).

In my role, I get to help young professionals see all the incredible opportunities the world of manufacturing has to offer. As part of the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium, I partner with like-minded individuals who share my drive to raise awareness about the career paths available in our local area. It is so rewarding when a student gets exposure to something they thought might be just a hobby and now has the potential to become their career. It can truly change their life, and I am proud to be a part of that journey.”

Riley Schmucker, Marketing Communications & Event Lead, Scot Forge

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Why Axis

The Why Axis: Submitted by Jason Mueller

“Coming out of high school I really had no idea what I wanted to do for my future.  Almost everyone I knew was going to college as that was the expected norm.  I had my doubts but also knew I did not want to stock shelves at the local grocery store for the rest of my life. There was very little guidance available at my high school.  I finished very near the top of my class, and it was just assumed my next step was off to college.   I reluctantly decided to attend MSOE with mechanical engineering in mind.  But I quickly learned I was not prepared nor wanted to work full time and go to college full time while commuting from home and amass the impending debt.

So here I am at 18, financially responsible for myself, and completely lost.  I am now working at the grocery store and taking a couple of general education classes at the local UW extension college and trying to figure my life out.  I ran into a friend of mine who told me about this shop he worked at when he was home from college.  I had many perceived notions about shops and manufacturing.  I quickly reminded him I did not take any of those classes in high school.  Thankfully he convinced me that none of that mattered, and I really need to see this in person. So, I visited him one night while he was working.  It was literally life changing.  I had no idea any technology like this existed.  It was nothing like what I had pictured in my head.  I quickly applied and was hired shortly after.  I have now been with Xact Wire for nearly 35 years.  They took a chance on a shy kid with no direction and gave me all the opportunities to make it into a career.

This is why I am passionate about manufacturing and joined the MPC.  I see myself in several of the students we meet.  I know what they are going through and what they are probably thinking manufacturing is.  I’m honored to co-lead the CAD (Career Awareness and Discovery) Team with Tim Essington.  It is a way for me to pay it forward by helping explain to the educators and manufacturers alike that misconceptions are still there, shop tours really do work, and there is hidden talent out there.”

Jason Mueller, Division Manager, XACT Wire EDM

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The Why Axis: Submitted by Doug Martin

“Manufacturing requires the bright minds of our talented young people.  Manufacturers are primary employers creating jobs in the larger economy.

Manufacturing hasn’t always received the respect it deserves.  The progressive story of today’s manufacturer needs to be told and retold, particularly to our youth, and in many cases their parents.   High school internships, apprenticeships and numerous on-the-job training programs exist to pursue a career in this worthwhile industry.

The City of McHenry, a partner in the original Manufacturing, Industry and Trades (MTI) Expo in 2016, is a great beneficiary and supporter of the manufacturing community.  It is my pleasure facilitating and furthering the partnership and connection between the manufacturing community and tomorrow’s talent pipeline!

I am a part of the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium to network and engage with area manufacturers, work with educators and other community partners to assist in narrowing the talent gap for our manufacturers.  The Manufacturing Pathways Consortium provides a great opportunity and platform for connecting and promoting the value of a career in manufacturing.”

Doug Martin, Director of Economic Development, City of McHenry

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Why Axis

The Why Axis: Submitted by Reagan Tillman

“I had the amazing opportunity to grow up in a machine shop and be around manufacturing my whole life. Yet, I wanted nothing to do with it. I thought, “That’s not for me.” Right out of high school, I decided to pursue a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design. I was determined to go in a different direction. But while helping out at the family shop, BTM Industries, with marketing and in the quality department, something shifted. I fell in love with what we do. I left college, joined the team full time, and haven’t looked back.

Manufacturing offers never-ending opportunities. It’s always evolving and advancing, which makes it such an exciting field to be part of. You can start in one area and find yourself exploring so many others. There’s a place for so many skill sets, and there’s always something new to learn or improve on. For someone like me who thrives on variety, problem-solving, and growth, manufacturing has been the perfect fit.

I joined the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium because I have a deep passion for this industry, and I want to share it, especially with people who might not realize how incredible manufacturing can be. I’m proud to be part of MPC and to co-lead the Marketing & Communications Team alongside Riley Schmucker, helping spread awareness about all the opportunities this amazing industry has to offer!”

Reagan Tillman, Image Ambassador/Quality Assurance Maven, BTM Industries

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Why Axis

The Why Axis: Submitted by Peter Austin

“Manufacturing is a vital component of McHenry County’s economy. When it prospers, it propels the entire county’s economy forward. Manufacturing growth means more well-paying jobs and more opportunities for people to enter the trades and make a great living with in-demand skill sets, without accumulating student loan debt.

McHenry County Government has shown its commitment to local manufacturing through its Advance McHenry County grant program. These grants helped the MPC and local manufacturers create a paid summer internship program, and helped fund a new manufacturing training center at McHenry County College, and a metals lab at Woodstock North High School.

The importance of manufacturing to McHenry County, and the opportunities it presents for county workers – especially young adults looking to chart their future – motivates me to participate in the MPC and its mission.”

Peter Austin, County Administrator, McHenry County