Springfield's McGregor Metalworking Companies is teaming up with Springfield area schools in an effort to get more students trained for manufacturing jobs.
The McGregor companies invited students and teachers in Clark County to tour their facilities over the weekend in honor of National Manufacturing Day.
Over 1,000 educators, Middle and high school students were able to see the production of parts ranging from automotive seat components to John Deer combines.
McGregor Metalworking has four locations in the Springfield area and one in Aiken, South Carolina. Company officials say they expect to hire 60 or more employees over the next three years.
But they're concerned about the number of qualified workers to fill the positions.
During the tour, students learned that the manufacturing industry currently has over a half million open jobs in the United States. It's believed that there won't be enough workers with the right computer skills and other technical abilities to fill the positions.
The collaboration between McGregor and Clark County schools is aimed at closing that gap.