If you’re interested in manufacturing or design, don’t miss Macomb Community College’s Innovate & Build event on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Held in Warren, this annual opportunity brings industry professionals, future career opportunities and more to Macomb County high schoolers.
“Innovate & Build is our evening follow-up event to Manufacturing Day, hosted at Macomb Community College’s Skilled Trades & Advanced Technology Center,” says Karly Gregory, project manager for MCC Engineering and Advanced Technology.”
She adds, “This event invites students and parents to explore career pathways in manufacturing and design through hands-on networking with Macomb County industry partners.”
What to expect during the Innovate & Build event
At Innovate & Build, manufacturing experts are within arm’s reach, ready to answer your teen’s questions (and yours!) to decide if this career path feels right.
You’ll need to register in advance, but other than that, the only thing you need to bring is your curiosity about manufacturing and design. The event guides you from there, offering hands-on activities and insights.
Innovate & Build follows the recent Manufacturing Day, hosted by the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) and the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED). At the invite-only Manufacturing Day, typically held in late September/early October, high schoolers explore options in technical fields.
Open to a wider audience, Innovate & Build expands this exploration. It features activities like an expert Q&A panel, career learning and a tour of MCC’s updated Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center.
Interview industry experts at the Q&A panel
MCC has invited local manufacturing industry panelists to participate in a Q&A. This is your chance to hear directly from experienced professionals about their journeys in manufacturing.
Come prepared with questions on entering the field and the different career options panelists have explored.
Learn about local apprenticeship programs
Vikki Gordon, the MCC Apprenticeship Coordinator, is part of the Q&A session. If your teen is thinking about internships and apprenticeship programs, this is a great window into what those opportunities look like in manufacturing and design.
Explore the new Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center
The recently renovated Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center at MCC is tailored to represent modern manufacturing workplaces. Its classrooms — including manual machining — replicate the typical industrial environment of manufacturing warehouses.
Other than machining, the facility features programs like welding, product development and robotics. A tour of the center offers a glimpse into what a future career in manufacturing could look like.
Registration also includes food and prizes
This event is free to register for, with dinner and hors d’oeuvres provided. All attending students are also entered in a raffle to win a Nintendo Switch 2, Beats Solo 4 Headphones or STEM Robot Building.
Innovate & Build takes place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at Macomb Community College at 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren (at the South Campus T-Building). Register online.
For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
