This week, tens of thousands of manufacturing technology professionals from around the world are gathering in Chicago for one of the industry’s largest trade shows—the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024.

Daley College President Dr. Janine Janosky helped kick off the six-day convention by participating in a panel discussion titled “Community Colleges: Economic Engines for Manufacturing Growth” on Monday, September 9. The conversation focused on how community colleges, like the one President Janosky leads, are preparing students for success in the high-demand field of manufacturing.

President Janosky was joined by leaders in manufacturing education, industry, and research:

- Dr. Deb Volzer – Director of Governments and Workforce Partnerships, SME Manufacturing Imperative

- Dr. Lori Suddick – President, College of Lake County

- Dr. Vincent Boyd – District Director, Advanced Manufacturing Industry, St. Louis Community College

- Jack McKenzie – President, CollegeAPP

The discussion was moderated by Cara Pattison, Program Manager at Manufacturing Imperative's Workforce Pipeline Challenge.

Daley College is home to the Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (MTEC), which prepares students for careers using state-of-the-art technology. MTEC has been recognized for its work to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the technology, manufacturing, and innovation spaces.

Additionally, last fall, the college’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology Program received NIMS accreditation through September 14, 2028. NIMS accreditation is the country’s only distinction for excellence in manufacturing training.