Rep. Bonamici Visits with Students and Businesses in Washington County; Highlights Opportunities in Manufacturing
Washington County, OR – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) discussed the future of manufacturing today and highlighted the high-quality jobs available in the region’s manufacturing sector while visiting with local high school students and manufacturing businesses.
Congresswoman Bonamici toured several Sherwood High School’s CTE classes, which educate up to 400 students each year in welding, digital design, wood, and fabrication. The classes aim to help expand career and technical education opportunities for students around the region.
“These career and technical classes help spread the word about the in-demand jobs available in sectors like engineering and manufacturing. They provide students with engaging, hands-on STEM education,” Congresswoman Bonamici said.
After meeting students at Sherwood’s CTE program, the congresswoman visited Vernier Software & Technology in Beaverton. Vernier is one of several local companies participating in National Manufacturing Day by opening its doors to local high school students.
“This tour is an opportunity for young people to see career pathways that are available to them, and to get excited about working at an innovative, exciting company like Vernier,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “Whether it’s a software company or a food processing plant, manufacturing businesses in Washington County offer a wide variety of opportunities for people who want to start and build their careers here.”
Congresswoman Bonamici also participated in a roundtable discussion about workforce issues at Q&D Manufacturing in Hillsboro.
“To maintain and grow our region’s expanding manufacturing sector, we need to have strong workforce training programs. The roundtable was a useful way to hear from local businesses about what they need from their future employees, which will help inform policies regarding education and workforce issues,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “Workforce development programs help address the skills gap, strengthen the middle class, and improve our economy. We also need to work with the private sector to identify the needs of local businesses, and support public/private partnerships that help to train workers to meet those needs.”
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