RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently hosted students from Elyria Catholic High School at the brand’s nearby headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing center — providing insight into the career opportunities available to attendees in their own backyard. The program was part of the high school’s Engineering and Technology Career Trek, a week-long initiative designed to introduce students to potential career paths, while broadening their understanding of Lorain County technical and manufacturing companies.

During the visit, students participated in manufacturing, product development and software engineering activities, experiencing first-hand the full spectrum of ways RIDGID helps to build and maintain the country’s infrastructure. The students learned how to follow detailed work instructions and to assemble the iconic RIDGID wrenches on the manufacturing floor. They also witnessed the quality testing of wrenches, toured the RIDGID materials laboratory, participated in a coding exercise and programmed a human robot to build a pyramid of cups in the least number of steps.

“The RIDGID team was excited to share our passion for manufacturing and STEM skills with the Elyria Catholic students who visited as part of their career trek,” said Harald Krondorfer, vice president, engineering services and technology development, RIDGID for Emerson. “Emerson, through its RIDGID business, has had a long-standing commitment to supporting our community and educating students about career opportunities in manufacturing.”

The visit to RIDGID was one of several stops during the summer Career Trek program. Students had the opportunity to visit the workplaces of six companies and two colleges to broaden their knowledge of different industries, experience and understand real-world work settings, identify potential career paths, interact with and learn from professionals, and establish a network of contacts.

“Elyria Catholic High School is committed to preparing students for careers in high growth industries and connecting them with leading northeast Ohio businesses. Our EXP3 (Explore, Experience, Express) program exposes students to opportunities that will increase the likelihood of keeping young talent in our region. We are thrilled that Emerson’s RIDGID team shares our vision and is one of the charter corporate partners by hosting the Elyria Catholic High School’s Career Trek program,” said Annie Heidersbach, Elyria Catholic president.