Chamber’s Industry Day for Teachers Connects Education and Manufacturing

In November, seven local teachers participated in the second annual Industry Day for Teachers hosted by the Chamber. These educators spent the day at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. The day included orientation, safety training and shadowing opportunities for teachers to gain insights to help guide their students toward local career opportunities.

On November 19, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing welcomed teachers from Decatur City, Morgan County and Hartselle City Schools at their Madison facility. The educators started the day at MTM’s Training and Assessment Center to get an inside look at the candidate experience, as well as the new hire fundamental skills training process. Educators then got to put their boots on and tour MTM’s Assembly and Quality shops, where they saw vehicle production in action. These teachers were able to explore the many opportunities that exist in the automotive manufacturing industry for their students after graduating high school.

This initiative bridges the gap between education and industry by equipping teachers with valuable knowledge to inspire and prepare students for workforce opportunities in manufacturing and beyond. Educators explored the skills required in today’s advanced manufacturing environment and discovered innovative ways to integrate these insights into their teaching practices. By fostering collaboration between education and industry, the program supports workforce development and ensures students are well-prepared for future career opportunities.

On December 6, the Chamber held a breakfast for the teachers to share their experiences and ways we can continue to improve the program. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. and gold sponsor 3M.