Our new TSMA Manufacturing Career Dream Team Education Coordinator is Therese Serum. Therese worked 40 years in the Alexandria School District as a classroom teacher, both at elementary and middle school levels. She has mentored many students from high school, tech and community colleges, and 4-year colleges, and has supervised dozens of student teachers, as well.
 
Therese has always focused on helping students learn and grow in confidence while they discover their special talents and future goals. She understands the influence adult connections and new experiences can have on student success and potential dreams. Having first-hand experience with Dream Team presentations has shown her how impactful our Dream Team members are in helping students discover interesting job opportunities and envision themselves in a successful, interesting career. Therese is excited to use her educational background and contacts to connect the Dream Team with more students and attract the next generation of manufacturing talent.
 
Recently, Dream Team member Jason Crannell from ITW Heartland participated in the West Central Minnesota College & Career Expo at Fergus Falls High School. He was able to connect with a future possible workforce of 1000+ high school students from Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. Crannell was excited to be at this career fair to spread the word on what a wonderful career field manufacturing is and to connect with students who were interested in learning more about the manufacturing industry and related careers.
 
Dream Team member Jimmy Jevnager from FORCE America, Alexandria, recently spoke to students in breakout sessions at the Alexandria Area Ninth Grade Career Fair who were interested in learning more about the manufacturing industry and careers in this field. His message to students was: A Successful Career in Manufacturing Begins After High School – Many Paths Can Be Chosen on That Journey. Jimmy spoke to four groups of students about the many different educational paths that can lead to a happy manufacturing career life. This also included information on how much school is needed for varying careers in manufacturing.
 
Dream Team members Melany Wolf and Derek Klimek from Massman Automation Designs, Villard, recently participated at the Alexandria Area Ninth Grade School Career Fair. The Dream Team had a booth at this event for ninth grade students who were interested in learning more about the manufacturing industry and careers in this field. Students were able to compete in a building activity that was an introduction to what manufacturing really is. 
 
The TSMA Manufacturing Career Dream Team is available for virtual or in-person student presentations. To nominate a Dream Team member, schedule an appearance, or for more information contact dreamteam@midwestmanufacturers.com or call 800-654-5773.