Dec-O-Art Joins Manufacturing Day, Inviting Students to Explore Careers
Dec-O-Art opened its doors to eighth-grade students from West Side Middle School on Thursday, October 15, as a first-time participant in Elkhart County Manufacturing Days.
Manufacturing Day is a national initiative that introduces students to careers in modern manufacturing. In Elkhart County, the program is coordinated by Horizon Education Alliance (HEA) in partnership with local schools and manufacturers, giving eighth graders the chance to visit local companies and learn about the career paths available in their own community. By participating, Dec-O-Art joined a group of Elkhart County manufacturers that host students each fall to help build awareness of local career opportunities and support the region’s future workforce.
During their morning visit to Dec-O-Art, groups of students rotated through stations representing the company’s Sales and Marketing, Project Engineering, Business Operations, and Production departments, each featuring a hands-on activity or friendly competition led by Dec-O-Art team members. A telephone game showed how clear communication, careful listening, and attention to detail affect every step of a process.
IT Bingo introduced students to the technologies that support modern manufacturing. In a card matching competition, students first worked without defined roles, then discussed what could be improved and assigned responsibilities before trying again, seeing firsthand how teamwork and continuous improvement lead to better results. Students also listened to a “customer” describe a design and attempted to draw it, asking questions to understand what was envisioned, before taking on a challenge to see how many times they could fit a single shape onto one sheet of paper.
The visit also included a plant tour with Dec-O-Art President Nathan Dosmann, giving students a firsthand look at the scale and complexity of label manufacturing. Along the way, they saw the machinery involved and learned about the skilled operators who turn materials into finished products.
Together, the activities and tour gave students more than an introduction to individual jobs. They practiced communicating, solving problems, working as a team, and adapting when something did not go as planned, all skills that Dec-O-Art relies on every day. The experience showed students that a career in manufacturing draws on a wide range of talents and interests.
“We wanted students to see that manufacturing isn’t a single path,” said Nathan Dosmann, President of Dec-O-Art. “Engineering, skilled machine operation, sales, marketing, business and technology exist here. Dec-O-Art has been part of this community for more than 55 years, and being part of a community means investing in its future. Showing these students the work that happens in their own backyard is one of the better ways we can do that.”
“We are grateful to Dec-O-Art for welcoming students in its first year with Manufacturing Days,” said Jeni Anderson, Customer Success Manager at Horizon Education Alliance. “Experiences like this help eighth graders connect what they learn in the classroom to real careers in their own community. When local employers open their doors, students begin to picture a future for themselves right here in Elkhart County.”
About Horizon Education Alliance:
Horizon Education Alliance is a nonprofit that connects schools, businesses, and the community to build a stronger workforce in Elkhart County. HEA coordinates Elkhart County Manufacturing Days, which give eighth graders the opportunity to tour local manufacturers and explore career pathways.
About Dec-O-Art:
Dec-O-Art is a trusted leader in labeling and branding solutions, proudly serving local and global manufacturers. With a reputation for exceptional service and high-quality decals, labels, and custom branding, Dec-O-Art is ready to help elevate your brand. Learn more at www.dec-o-art.com or contact the sales team at [email protected].