For Cal State Fullerton graduate student Emily Pachas, attending Titan Manufacturing Day 2024 was an unexpected yet beneficial experience. This year’s event, themed “Discovering Manufacturing Futures,” was designed to bridge the gap between education and the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry.
Pachas, who is pursuing a degree in engineering, found herself immersed in a vibrant environment filled with interactive exhibits, technology demonstrations and valuable discussions with industry experts.
“Manufacturing is such a broad field, and this event really helped clarify the pathways available to me,” said Pachas. “Seeing so many specific areas represented opened my eyes to the possibilities available.”
The day kicked off with a keynote address from Fullerton Mayor Pro Tem Fred Jung, who shared his vision for the intersection of clean energy and advanced manufacturing in driving economic development.
“As technology moves, we have the opportunity to move with it and get closer as a community,” said Jung, emphasizing the importance of being good stewards of the environment. He acknowledged the challenges that Fullerton faces in attracting manufacturing but expressed optimism about the city’s potential.
During a Q&A session, attendees seized the opportunity to engage with Jung directly, including CSUF undergraduate student Brock Nguyen.
“How can local government work with students to create jobs?” said Nguyen.
Emphasizing his commitment to promoting Fullerton as a hub for industry and innovation, Jung answered, “We need to attract industry and create more internships with larger companies.”
According to organizers of the event, attracting more industry requires cultivating a workforce that meets the needs of employers, which means exposing students to potential career paths early in their educational journeys.
“Our focus is creating lifelong learning pathways that begin in K-12 and extend through higher education to professional development, which is why we welcome students from local high schools and community colleges at Titan Manufacturing Day,” said Sagil James, professor of mechanical engineering and host of the event. “We collaborate with K-12 schools, community colleges and industry partners to foster interest in manufacturing careers, particularly among underrepresented or underserved communities in STEM fields.”
James added that the event is part of a broader manufacturing pathways initiative, in partnership with the OC Pathways Regional K-16 Collaborative Program of which he serves as co-principal investigator.
“By extending current engineering and manufacturing pathways from K-12 and community colleges to include CSUF’s advanced and smart manufacturing programs, we are addressing the skilled workforce gap in California’s manufacturing sector,” said James.
Arthur Guzman, K-16 coordinator for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, echoed these sentiments.
“This funding is instrumental in creating opportunities for students to engage with industry and develop skills that are essential for workforce development,” said Guzman. “We are committed to bridging the gap between education and career readiness, and events like Titan Manufacturing Day exemplify that mission.”
One of the highlights of the event was the SME Zone, where attendees could connect with local chapters of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. This resource proved invaluable for high school and college students alike, offering insights into industry trends and access to free SME membership, which provides pathways to training and certifications. Additionally, the CSUF Center for Educational Partnerships provided CSUF students with opportunities for high-impact learning experiences on and off campus.
The event concluded with a catered lunch, offering attendees networking opportunities and VIP tours of the CSUF engineering labs. Led by current CSUF students, the tours engaged industry professionals and prospective students, fostering valuable discussions about career aspirations and insights into the field. Students, including Pachas and Nguyen, took full advantage of this time, forging connections that they hope will lead to opportunities in the future.
Reflecting on the experience at Titan Manufacturing Day, both Pachas and Nguyen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with local leaders and industry experts.
“This event was a fantastic opportunity for networking. It connected me with peers and industry experts who share my passion for engineering,” said Pachas. “It felt like a built-in community, and that made all the difference.”
Similarly, Nguyen noted that the community aspect of the event was a great reminder of what engineering entails.
“In engineering, you can often get lost in the math and logic behind it and forget the fun and creative side,” said Nguyen. “While learning equations is important, it’s the community that sparks our enthusiasm and growth.”