Celebrating National Manufacturing Day at Mill 19: Inspiring the Next Generation of Makers
On October 3, 2025, Catalyst Connection partnered with the ARM Institute (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) and Carnegie Mellon University’s Manufacturing Futures Institute (MFI) to celebrate National Manufacturing Day with an unforgettable experience at Mill 19 in Hazelwood Green.
The event brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to showcase how manufacturing is evolving—and to inspire the region’s next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and makers.
Exploring the Future of Manufacturing
This year’s event was designed as an open-exploration experience. Instead of traditional sessions, students and visitors were encouraged to move freely throughout the three floors of Mill 19, each with its own focus:
- 1st Floor: Hands-on demonstrations with advanced robotics, smart manufacturing tools, and interactive displays.
- 2nd Floor: Colleges, universities, and partner organizations highlighting education, training, and career pathways.
- 3rd Floor: Manufacturing companies from across Southwestern Pennsylvania showcasing real-world products, services, and job opportunities.
This structure gave participants the chance to experience modern manufacturing from multiple perspectives—technology, education, and industry.
Passports, Stamps, and Learning by Doing
To make the experience more engaging, every student received a MFG Day passport. As they explored each station, they collected stamps—turning learning into a fun, hands-on activity that encouraged them to interact with exhibitors and fully explore the event.
By the end of the day, students left with a completed passport and a clearer picture of the many opportunities manufacturing has to offer.
A Panel Discussion to Inspire
The celebration concluded with a panel discussion featuring leaders from education, technology, and manufacturing. Panelists highlighted the wide range of opportunities in the sector and discussed the skills needed to thrive in an Industry 4.0 world.
From robotics and automation to quality control, supply chains, and sustainability, the panel emphasized that manufacturing careers today are diverse, dynamic, and essential to the future of our economy.
Why National Manufacturing Day Matters
National Manufacturing Day is more than a single celebration—it’s part of a nationwide movement to connect students with the world of modern manufacturing. By opening doors and providing interactive experiences, we can inspire the next generation to see manufacturing not only as a career path but also as a chance to innovate, create, and lead.
Looking Ahead
Catalyst Connection is committed to strengthening the manufacturing workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania through programs like:
- SkillMill19 Learning Lab – hands-on, no-cost trainings in robotics, cybersecurity, IoT, continuous improvement, and more.
- Workforce Development Initiatives – including apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and student engagement programs.
- Partnerships with Schools & Educators – to prepare students for high-demand careers.
Together with our partners at ARM Institute and CMU’s Manufacturing Futures Institute, we’re building momentum—not just for one day in October, but for the future of manufacturing in our region.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us at Mill 19. Your energy, curiosity, and participation made this celebration of innovation and opportunity a success. Here’s to continuing to grow manufacturing and inspire the makers of tomorrow.
Want to learn more?
Visit our Workforce Development Programs to see how Catalyst Connection is helping students and manufacturers build the skills needed for today and tomorrow.
