HUTCHINSON, Kan. — During the summer, area manufacturing leaders, the Chamber, and area teachers and counselors got together for a town hall meeting to discuss how a better connection could be made between companies and schools.

On Monday, 50 teachers from the Buhler school district took tours of three local manufacturers to see what they do and learn what they look for in a workforce. The tours included Collins Bus, Kuhn Krause and Superior Boiler Works.

Abby Stockebrand with the Chamber explained the reason for the tours:

 

Stockebrand says companies have suffered some disconnect from the schools and the vocational opportunities that are available to students:

 

In the meantime, companies want more communication with schools. Curt Davis, Marketing Manager for Kuhn Krause, says it’s not just technical skills they are looking for:

 

Stockebrand says they are already working with the Hutchinson school district to have another such event in the future.