Exploring Manufacturing Careers Through Hands-On Experience
Harmony Enterprises, Inc. is proud to partner with Mabel-Canton High School and Bluff Country Collaborative to provide real-world learning opportunities for local students through a youth work study and job shadow program.
This unique initiative allows high school students to explore the world of modern manufacturing while earning valuable experience and income. Through a subsidized work placement, one Mabel-Canton student now spends part of each school day in Harmony’s production facility—learning directly from our skilled team members who design, weld, assemble, and test our recycling and waste-handling equipment.
Mason Yoder, Mabel-Canton HS Student
Before beginning, senior Mason Yoder received a private, guided tour of Harmony’s full manufacturing operation, from engineering and fabrication to assembly and shipping. Inspired by the experience, the student expressed strong interest in pursuing manufacturing as a career—a testament to how hands-on exposure can shape future career paths. Now, this young man is being paid to work in our clean up and fabrication departments!
Programs like this, facilitated by Bluff Country Collaborative, are vital for helping students navigate local career opportunities while supporting area employers in developing the next generation of skilled workers. By connecting classroom learning with real-world application, youth work study experiences empower students to discover their strengths, explore new interests, and build confidence for their futures. In addition, they develop their own soft skills and learn undergo onboarding procedures similar to a regular full-time employee.
Youth Workforce Navigator, MaryAnne Bedtke elaborated on the value of these types of youth experiences, saying “First hand experience, such as a tour, gives youth a real idea of what a particular career could be like. When a youth can picture themselves in that atmosphere, doing those tasks, at that company, it ignites a spark and builds confidence. This is why we foster local connections — to build up our youth and communities.”
“First hand experience, such as a tour, gives youth a real idea of what a particular career could be like. When a youth can picture themselves in that atmosphere, doing those tasks, at that company, it ignites a spark and builds confidence. This is why we foster local connections — to build up our youth and communities.”
-MaryAnne Bedtke, Youth Workforce Navigator, Bluff Country Collaborative
Connect Your Business With Youth Today!
Harmony’s Lane Powell & Stephanie Hendrickson at a BCC career navigation fair this fall!
BCC, FutureForward, and Workforce Development, Inc. also support other youth activities like wage subsidy programs, career fairs, welding competitions, and mock interviews. All of these programs help to promote manufacturing as a career and keep it forefront as a vital part of the economy in SE MN!
At Harmony Enterprises, we’re committed to fostering career exploration, community partnerships, and a culture of learning. It’s all part of how we live our values of Career, Community, Culture, and Company—and invest in the bright future of local manufacturing. If you would like to learn more about the opportunities available at Harmony, or how your business can partner with BCC, WDI, or FutureForward, we’d be happy to help make that introduction. Give us a call at (507) 886-6666 today!
