Manufacturing & Trades Day

Each year, NWILED, in partnership with Jo Daviess Carroll Career Technical Education Academy (CTEA), hosts a manufacturing day educational career event. It is an occasion during which manufacturers, trades, and logistics companies open their doors to showcase the potential of modern manufacturing and to foster interest in related careers. All high schools in Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties are invited to participate.
 
Annually, about 350 students attend this event and are exposed to a varied group of industries ranging from traditional manufacturing to transportation, healthcare, and energy. This regional event was last held on October 3, 2024. Helping facilitate the experience was 28 area businesses and agencies, including JCE Coop, Arrow Solar, Adkins Energy, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, Highland Community College, Citizens State Bank, Galena Area Chamber of Commerce, Gradient Coaching & Consulting, Jo Daviess County Board, Nicor Gas, ComEd, Galena Territory Association, Prairie Ridge of Galena, Guy's Towing & Service, University of Illinois Extension 4-H, MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions – Metform, East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizers, Carroll Innovative Manufacturing, Origin Design, Tri-State Travel, Business Employment Skills Team, Forster Products, Midwest Medical Center, McCoy Group, Helm Group, ProTect Metal Sales, Hirschbach, and the United States Penitentiary – Thomson.

NWILED's next Manufacturing & Trades Day event is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025.