A group of high school seniors in Knox County has embarked on a program that could lead to careers in manufacturing. Dubbed Knox ASPECT 7.0, the initiative is designed to prepare students for employment right after graduation and is sponsored by the Knox Area Development Foundation with support from local businesses.
"We are talking about the first step to potential careers, not just jobs," said Brent Mauer, business relationship manager at the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Columbus State Community College. According to Mauer, the program is free and open to interested graduating seniors. Throughout April, these students will interact with 13 local manufacturers to acquire specific skills that may lead to job interviews with these companies on May 3.
“This program gives them both technical and soft skills to help with employment interviews,” Mauer added, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the initiative.
On the first day, sessions included a manufacturing overview by Julia Suggs from Knox Area Development and a lecture on productivity by David Alley, vice president of Schafer Driveline in Fredericktown. The program also covers practical skills such as measurements, blueprint reading, and the preparation of resumes, alongside building confidence for interviews.
"One of the most important goals of the ASPECT program is the confidence it gives the seniors before their interviews," Mauer added, underscoring the program's focus on readiness.
The program is supported by educators such as Beth Marhefka from Knox County Career Center and Christine Keaton and Sean McCutcheon, career readiness advisors at local institutions. Thirteen manufacturers, including Jeld-Wen, Owens Corning, and Ver-Mac Industries, along with others, are involved in this career-readiness venture.
Julia Suggs underscored the historical significance of manufacturing in the region, noting that “Manufacturing built Knox County and manufacturing continues to build Knox County.”
The intent is for these seniors to walk away with more than just skills—they’re expected to gain the confidence and the readiness for their first steps post-graduation.
