Domtar's Hawesville Mill, located in Hancock County, Kentucky, is proud to celebrate Manufacturing Day 2024 by highlighting its commitment to nurturing future manufacturing talent.
The mill's High School Mentor Program, now in its second year, offers local high school students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various manufacturing roles.
The program aims to attract students to stay in or return to Hawesville to pursue manufacturing careers at the mill. By providing mentorship and real-world experience, Domtar hopes to inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Participating students from Hawesville High School spend two mornings a week at the mill, shadowing employees in different departments such as engineering, maintenance, and production. This allows them to explore various career paths and gain valuable insights into the manufacturing industry.
For mentors like Jack LaClair, a mechanical engineer at the mill, the program is incredibly rewarding. LaClair shares his enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge and experience with the students, hoping to inspire them to pursue manufacturing careers.
Domtar emphasizes that manufacturing careers are for everyone, regardless of educational background or career aspirations. The mentorship program is designed to expose students to a variety of opportunities within the manufacturing industry, providing them with the information needed to make informed career choices.
By investing in the future of manufacturing through programs like this, Domtar is helping to ensure a strong pipeline of talent for the industry. The Hawesville Mill's commitment to nurturing young professionals is a testament to the company's dedication to both its employees and the community.
Domtar’s integrated pulp and paper mill in Hawesville, Kentucky, produces fine specialty paper.