Another 156 students from Cherry, Hibbing, Rock Ridge, Silver Bay, South Ridge and Two Harbors will visit 21 manufacturing sites in the Duluth-Superior area. Schools from the Duluth area and beyond are also participating.

IRRR grant funding covers transportation costs for school tours within the TAA, making it easier for students to explore manufacturing careers while connecting local businesses with potential future workers.

Students will tour manufacturing facilities, meet employees and learn about careers in welding, machining, engineering, robotics, maintenance and other fields. They will also see how advanced technology and automation are used in modern manufacturing.

“Developing a skilled workforce is essential to growing and diversifying northeastern Minnesota’s economy,” said IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina. “By investing in career exploration, we’re helping prepare the next generation of workers, innovators and entrepreneurs who will drive our region’s economic future.”

Rally Hess, AMFA president and owner of Hibbing Fabricators, one of the tour stops, said the event helps students discover opportunities close to home.

“The Arrowhead Tour of Manufacturing gives students a firsthand look at local manufacturers and the careers they offer,” Hess said. “By opening their doors, manufacturers help students see how their skills and interests can lead to rewarding careers while strengthening the future of our region’s manufacturing industry.”

Dr. Jessalyn Sabin, president of Minnesota North College, emphasized the value of these experiences for students.

“Manufacturing remains a foundation of northern Minnesota's economy, and opportunities like the Tour of Manufacturing help students connect classroom learning with real-world careers,” said Sabin. “We are proud to partner with regional manufacturers to help students explore the diverse career opportunities right here in our region.”

In addition to Hibbing Fabricators, participating businesses in the TAA include Floe International, Laskin and Revolv Manufacturing in Hoyt Lakes; Builtrite Manufacturing-Lemco Hydraulics, LaBounty and Two Harbors Machine Shop/SERCO Loaders in Two Harbors; Conveyor Belt Service and Virginia Plastics in Virginia; Advance Machine Guarding Solutions, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing, L&M Radiator-A Wabtec Company and Trison Solutions in Hibbing; Hancock Fabrication in Angora; Nelson Wood Shims in Cohasset; and Randy's Cabinets and Woodworks, Swan Machine, The Forge and Yanmar Compact Equipment North America in Grand Rapids.

What teachers are saying

"These tours are essential to provide students a perspective of what it’s like to work in manufacturing, offering experiences they can’t get in a classroom or school shop. We never know which experience might inspire a student or help shape their future career path. Exposing students to a variety of opportunities is vital, and I’m very thankful for IRRR's support in making these experiences possible.” Tim Hogan, Industrial Arts teacher at Ely Memorial High School

“It’s one thing to talk about manufacturing careers in the classroom, but it’s a completely different experience for students to step inside a local manufacturing business and see directly what those careers look like in the real world.” Jamey Johnson, Manufacturing and Transportation Careers teacher at Chisholm High School

View the Tour of Manufacturing virtual map.

Email Kevin Steele or call him at 218-735-3067 for more information about Workforce Development grants.

The tour is supported by IRRR, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Area Partnership of Economic Expansion (APEX), IASC NEXT Career Pathways, Lake Superior Perkins Consortium, Northeast Service Cooperative and True North Stars.