With every passing year, you are seeing more kids finding their future, not just in manufacturing but also in Door County. Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Program Door County School-Based Coach Lauren Baumann estimates that approximately 30 students in its program are heading towards manufacturing careers, representing about a third of the total students involved with apprenticeships. It is a step in the right direction for American manufacturers that continue to look for people to come aboard. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, over 505,000 vacancies on factory floors nationwide exist. By 2024, an estimated 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed to keep up with demand. Baumann says its youth apprenticeship program and manufacturing tours have helped students find great-paying careers in their backyard.

Baumann says she will start having conversations with students in January about possible apprenticeship opportunities in the area for the 2025-2026 school year.