Manufacturing Pathways Consortium Celebrates 2025 High School Summer Interns, Strengthening McHenry County’s Workforce Pipeline
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McHenry County, IL – August 14, 2025 – The Manufacturing Pathways Consortium (MPC) proudly hosted the 2025 High School Summer Intern Celebration, bringing together over 175 attendees to honor the achievements of local students who gained valuable, real-world experience in McHenry County’s thriving manufacturing and construction sectors.
This milestone event highlighted the positive impact of providing high school students with hands-on workforce experience, bridging the talent pipeline, and building careers right here in McHenry County. The 10-week Summer Internship Program offers high school students ages 16-18 the opportunity to gain paid, entry-level experience in manufacturing or construction management, including residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and institutional construction.
In 2025, more than 80 student interns in the manufacturing sector and 5 students in construction management collectively completed over 20,000 hours of work, developing valuable skills, building professional connections, and exploring potential career pathways in one of McHenry County’s most vital industries. This program was made possible by the Advance McHenry County ARPA grant and the Illinois Community College Board’s Taking Back the Trades grant.
Uniting Industry Leaders and Educational Partners
The MPC extends its gratitude to the host manufacturing companies whose generosity, mentorship, and dedication made this year’s program possible: Adroit Design Group, Arno USA, Atlantic Track and Turnout, CRV Electronics Corporation, Fabrik Molded Plastics, Heartland Cabinet Supply, Jessup Manufacturing Company, NN Inc., Precision Vision, Rita Corp, Scholl Construction, Scot Forge, Swiss Automation, TC Industries Inc., Technipaq, and XACT Wire EDM Corp. The MPC also recognizes the host construction companies, Carmichael Construction, Pepper Construction, Scholl Construction, and McHenry County Planning & Development for their dedicated time and mentorship.
This program wouldn’t be possible without the outstanding high school partners whose collaboration was essential in preparing and supporting students for this career-building opportunity: Alden Hebron School District 19, Community High School District 155, Harvard High School, Huntley High School, Johnsburg High School, Marengo Community High School, McHenry Community High School, Richmond Burton School District 157, Trinity Oaks Christian Academy, and Woodstock School District 200.
Spotlighting Student Voices
A highlight of the celebration was the student panel, where interns reflected on their experiences, their biggest takeaways about the manufacturing sector, and how the program shaped their career interests. Panelists included:
- Caleb Bergdahl – Adroit Design Group, McHenry High School
- Hazul Alcantara – Scot Forge, McHenry High School
- Tyler Edwards – Heartland Cabinet Supply, Woodstock High School
- Chris Ptaszek – NN Inc., Cary Grove High School
- Jameson Town – CRV Electronics Corporation, Trinity Oaks Christian Academy
Their stories underscored the programs mission: to prepare the next generation of skilled talent and connect them with opportunities available in the County’s workforce.
“I enjoyed the experience that the internship [provided] and the exposure to a job career I hadn’t really thought about before,” said Hazul Alcantara-Diaz.
A Growing Opportunity for Local Talent
The Manufacturing Pathways Consortium envisions a future where the growth and prosperity of the manufacturing sector is secured by a strong pipeline of skilled talent. By offering early exposure and direct experience, the internship program helps cultivate the next generation of manufacturing professionals in McHenry County.
Applications for the Summer 2026 High School Internship Program will open in February 2026. Students, parents, and educators can learn more at: https://mfgpathways.com/summer-internships/
Media Contact:
Maria Andrade, Coordinator of Events and Outreach of Workforce Division at McHenry County College
Catherine Jones, Associate Vice President of Workforce Development at McHenry County College