Columbia County Manufacturing Day
- Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Student program: 9am-1pm
- Optional afternoon tour: OMIC R&D, 1-2pm (for schools that sign up)
- Student capacity: Up to 200 students
- Location: PCC OMIC Training Center, 34001 NE Wagner Ct, Scappoose, OR 97056
- Part of: National MFG Day, powered by The Manufacturing Institute
Event overview
Interested in sponsoring MFG Day 2026?
Support this event and help inspire the next generation of makers and innovators.
- Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
- Make your tax-deductible contribution to the PCC Foundation online.
Manufacturing Day 2026 is a hands-on event where regional students explore the many different areas of modern manufacturing. Students spend the morning at the PCC OMIC Training Center trying out the tools, machines, and skills behind manufacturing careers and meeting local industry partners who represent the wide range of pathways available in the field. It is part of national MFG Day, powered by The Manufacturing Institute.
Students rotate through hands-on workshops and explore an open floor of interactive industry tables. Workshops cover STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) as well as skilled trades like welding and machining. Along the way, students collect stamps in an event passport, and a completed passport enters them in a prize raffle. The goal is simple: help students see the many different directions a career in manufacturing can take, and discover where their own interests might fit.
This event is designed for students in 11th and 12th grade (junior and senior year of high school). Schools are welcome to bring younger students as well. If you would like to bring a group younger than 9th grade, please reach out to us directly so we can talk through the best fit.
What to expect on event day
Whether you are bringing students or hosting as an industry partner, here is how the morning flows. Students arrive in two waves and spend the morning moving between hands-on workshops and an open floor of industry tables, then eat lunch on a staggered schedule so no one waits in long lines.
Arrival in two waves
- Students arrive in two waves across the early morning, with arrival times set by how far each school travels.
- At check-in, each group gets a passport, a schedule, a name tag, and a chaperone to guide them through the day.
Hands-on workshops
- Several workshops run at the same time throughout the morning, covering STEAM topics (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) as well as skilled trades like welding and machining.
- Workshops are short, hands-on sessions, and every student group takes part in more than one.
- Activities are designed for students in 11th and 12th grade, though younger students are welcome to attend.
Open industry tabling
- Between workshops, students explore an open floor of interactive industry tables at their own pace.
- This is where students meet industry partners who represent the different areas and pathways of manufacturing, try quick hands-on activities, and collect passport stamps. It is also where partners get the most face time with students.
Passport and prize
- Students earn a stamp at each workshop and each industry table they visit.
- A completed passport is turned in for a chance to win a prize, which keeps students engaged across the whole event.
Optional OMIC R&D tour
- Schools that sign up in advance can stay for an optional tour of OMIC R&D, an in-depth look at an advanced manufacturing research facility. You will need to provide your own transportation from the PCC OMIC campus to the OMIC R&D. It is a 15-minute walk between the two campuses.
screwdriver wrench
Get hands-on with real tools and technology, across STEAM topics and skilled trades like welding and machining.
gears
Explore the many different areas and pathways within advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, and find where your interests fit.
handshake simple
Meet local industry partners who represent the range of careers in manufacturing, and see what a future in the field could look like for you.
Student registration
- Space is limited, so please register early. Student attendance is capped at 200.
- Each student needs to be registered. Instructors can upload a class roster all at once using our CSV template.
- Download the CSV student roster template.
- Upload your completed roster using the school and teacher sign-up form.
- Need transportation? We can generally cover the cost of buses for schools. Let us know your needs when you register, and we will coordinate the details.
- This event is designed for students in 11th and 12th grade (junior and senior year of high school), but you are welcome to bring younger students too. If you would like to bring a group younger than 9th grade, please reach out to us directly, and we are happy to talk through the best fit.
- Questions? Email natalee.phelps@pcc.edu.
Industry registration
- Space is limited for industry partners, so please register early to reserve your spot as a workshop host or industry table host.
- Partners are here to help build the future of manufacturing by showing students the many pathways the field offers and sparking early interest. Getting in front of students now, well before they enter the workforce, plants a seed that shapes their future choices. Recruitment can grow from those connections down the road, but the real value is being part of a student’s journey from the start.
- Complete the industry registration form with your organization’s details and primary contact.
- Questions about participation, stations, or logistics? Email natalee.phelps@pcc.edu.
Donate a raffle prize
Students who complete their event passport are entered into a prize raffle, and community and industry donations are what make it possible. Donating a prize is a great way to support the event and put your organization in front of students exploring manufacturing.
- Prizes can be anything students would enjoy: gift cards, branded gear, tools, tech, or fun experiences.
- Interested in donating a raffle prize? Email natalee.phelps@pcc.edu and we will coordinate drop-off or pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Who will be attending Manufacturing Day?
Manufacturing Day is held at the PCC OMIC Training Center in Scappoose, Oregon, and is attended by students from schools across the region. This event is not open to the general public.
How many students will attend?
We are anticipating up to 200 students from regional schools, arriving in two waves across the morning.
How is the day structured?
Students spend the morning rotating between hands-on workshops and an open floor of interactive industry tables. Workshops cover STEAM topics as well as skilled trades like welding and machining. At the industry tables, students meet partners who represent the different areas and pathways of manufacturing. Every student takes part in more than one workshop and explores the tables in between, collecting passport stamps along the way. Lunch is staggered by group, and the student program wraps up by early afternoon.
Who are the activities designed for?
The workshops and activities are designed for students in 11th and 12th grade (junior and senior year of high school). Schools are welcome to bring younger students as well. If you would like to bring a group younger than 9th grade, please reach out to us directly so we can talk through the best fit.
Do you help with transportation?
Yes. With some exceptions, we can generally cover the cost of buses for schools. Let us know your transportation needs when you register, and we will coordinate the details.
Will there be food or drinks?
Yes. Lunch and water are provided for students, served in staggered shifts. Please note any dietary restrictions during registration. Water stations are available on site, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
What is the passport?
Every student gets a passport at check-in and collects a stamp at each workshop and industry table they visit. A completed passport is entered to win a prize.
Is there anything in the afternoon?
Schools that sign up in advance can stay for an optional tour of OMIC R&D, an in-depth look at an advanced manufacturing research facility. Limited space is available.
Can I just show up to the event?
No. Registration is required before arrival, as space is limited.
What if I’m not sure manufacturing is for me?
That is exactly why you should come. Manufacturing Day is built to help students explore how many different areas exist in modern manufacturing, from design and technology to welding and machining. You do not need any experience, just curiosity. Come see where your interests might fit!