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AWT Foundation

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United States
Mentor, OH
AWT Foundation

We promote rewarding manufacturing careers through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

"Working Together to Promote Rewarding Careers in Manufacturing"

We strive to make a positive impact on our future workforce to keep the pipeline of skilled workers full and American manufacturing alive. The AWT creates a link between students, parents, teachers, administrators and industry leaders. For information on our most famous program, RoboBots, see our other page at AWT Robobots!

08/26/2026

📣The 2026 Think Manufacturing Career Expo is on October 1, 2026.
Manufacturers and Educators, register today to connect students with a future in manufacturing.
One morning at Perry High School will bring together over a thousand students with dozens of employers, providing guidance for future employment and introducing students to opportunities while they are still in high school.
Students will hear from a panel of young manufacturing professionals who will share their experiences.
➡️Educators: Register your students to attend.
➡️Manufacturers: Register your table and explore sponsorships.

Go to https://www.thinkmfgexpo.com/

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Swagelok, Workshop Sponsor, Component Repair Technologies, Inc. , Breakfast Sponsor, Universal Metal Products, Student Bag Sponsor. Vector Technical Inc. Sponsorships still available!

Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce

08/24/2026

⚙️ Another successful week of AWT WorkAdvance is complete!
AWT WorkAdvance provides two ways to learn: as a new hire sent by your employer to learn foundational skills for your new role, or as a job seeker interested in a career in manufacturing.
Throughout the week, participants gained hands-on knowledge in:
➡️ Blueprint Reading
➡️ Metrics and Measurement
➡️ Shop Math
Our job seekers continue their training with:
➡️ Introduction to Machining
➡️ Financial Literacy
➡️ Resume Writing and Interview Skills
AWT WorkAdvance helps job seekers prepare to enter manufacturing with practical skills, career preparation, and direct connections to local employers.
New hires who have been with their company for 90 days or less receive essential training at no cost to employers.
Ready to take the first step toward a manufacturing career? Learn more and apply for our next session starting on September 21st.
https://thinkmfg.link/l96

08/19/2026

Congratulations to AWT Founder Roger Sustar on being named to Cleveland Magazine's 2026 Cleveland 500, which recognizes influential leaders shaping Northeast Ohio.

See the list here: https://thinkmfg.link/7d6b1b

Congratulations, Roger!

08/10/2026

⚙️Connect students with their future at the 2026 Think Manufacturing Career Expo!
The 13th Annual Lake County Think Manufacturing Career Expo is coming to Perry High School on October 1, 2026, from 8:30 AM–12:00 PM.
This event brings local manufacturers, educators, and students together to show young people the career opportunities in manufacturing available right here in Northeast Ohio.
🏭 Manufacturers: Meet hundreds of students and introduce them to your company, your industry, and opportunities including:
• Careers available after high school
• Internships and part-time positions
• Career pathways students can begin exploring now
📚 Educators: Bring your students to meet local manufacturers, ask questions, explore career options, and discover opportunities they may not have considered.
🎤 Students will also hear directly from young manufacturing professionals close to their own age during a panel discussion. They’ll learn what it’s really like to enter the workforce, start a manufacturing career, and build a future with a local company.
One morning can make a connection that leads to an internship, a first job, or an entirely new career path.
Manufacturers and educators: Register now to be part of the 2026 Expo!

Learn more and register: http://thinkmfgexpo.com

08/05/2026

📣Intro to CNC Milling starts next week!

Designed specifically for individuals with little or no CNC milling experience, this course covers the essential concepts every operator should understand before working independently on the shop floor.

Participants will learn:
▶️Basic CNC milling machine operations
▶️Cutting tools and their applications
▶️Tool holders and machine setup
▶️Work offsets
▶️Cutter compensation adjustments
▶️Basic G-Codes and M-Codes
▶️Safe operating practices

The curriculum combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training, allowing employees to immediately apply the concepts they learn.

AWT membership is required, so contact us now to learn about the many benefits for your company.

Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Dates: August 12 through September 30
Location: AWT Transformation Training Center

Register at https://thinkmfg.link/hs0

08/04/2026

Another great summer of STEM with the Lake County YMCA - Central - Painesville, Ohio ☀️🔬

AWT enjoyed welcoming campers for hands-on activities that combined creativity, problem-solving, and fun. From making DIY bouncy balls and spin art machines to building solar cars and launching water rockets, every project encouraged students to connect manufacturing and STEM to their daily lives.

💡 One of the favorite activities was making levitating lanterns, giving campers the opportunity to learn circuitry and see their creation light up.

At AWT, we believe the best learning happens through hands-on experiences. Whether students are designing, building, or experimenting, each activity helps develop critical thinking, confidence, and curiosity while introducing them to the exciting possibilities of STEM and manufacturing.

🔗Learn about upcoming STEM Days at https://thinkmfg.com/stem-days/

08/01/2026

➡️AWT WorkAdvance returns on August 17-21!
In this one-week program, learn skills to begin a career in manufacturing at NO COST to you.
🗓️August 17 to 21, 12 PM to 5 PM
⚙️Learn basic skills in:
•Blueprint Reading
•Metrics and Measurement
•Shop Math
•Introduction to Machining
•Financial Literacy
•Resume Writing and Interviewing
Participants interview with local manufacturers as part of their weeklong training.
Learn more and apply today at https://thinkmfg.link/4sh

See less

07/31/2026

🎉Happy Birthday, Roger Sustar!
Our very own manufacturing maven.
Thank you for all you do for our community and the future of manufacturing in Northeast Ohio.
We hope you have a wonderful day and year ahead!

07/28/2026

On July 9, 2026, CNBC ranked Ohio as the top state in the country for business. We are grateful to Governor Mike DeWine for his decades of commitment to making Ohio the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Governor DeWine has supported businesses and manufacturers by minimizing the cost of doing business, removing barriers to growth, and prioritizing the creation of innovative solutions for workforce development.
In early 2026, Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel launched WorkOhio – the administration’s latest initiative to connect Ohio job seekers with the state’s abundance of employment and training opportunities, like AWT.
AWT is proud to be a part of developing skilled workers to step into the abundance of opportunities in manufacturing right here in Northeast Ohio.
We look forward to celebrating many economic wins ahead for Ohio and continuing to support our manufacturers and our communities.

07/25/2026

⚙️AWT brings hands-on STEM learning to students across Ashtabula County!
Throughout the school year, our AWT ThinkMFG van visits local schools for career days, giving students an opportunity to explore the exciting world of manufacturing. Bernard, our 3D-printed axolotl, and his sidekick, Moose the cat, help demonstrate how additive manufacturing works, while mini robots introduce students to coding, robotics, and problem-solving through interactive activities.
Our mobile STEM programs allow us to bring engaging experiences directly to students throughout Lake, Geauga, Eastern Cuyahoga, and Ashtabula counties.
Students have the opportunity to:
🔹 Experience hands-on STEM activities
🔹 Watch 3D printing in action
🔹 Explore careers in modern manufacturing
🔹 Discover how manufacturing impacts everyday life
🔹 Program and operate Sphero robots
🔹 Connect robotics concepts to real-world applications
The most meaningful learning happens when students can see, touch, build, and explore. We're proud to inspire curiosity, introduce career possibilities, and help students discover the exciting opportunities available in manufacturing.
Learn more about AWT and our STEM outreach programs at http://thinkmfg.com.

Ashtabula Area City Schools Conneaut Area City Schools Ashtabula County A-Tech

Address

8980 Tyler Boulevard
Mentor, OH
44060

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14404621995

Website

http://www.ThinkMFG.com/

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