Is manufacturing back?

   When Wheeling High School principal Laz Lopez took the reigns in 2007, he immediately went to work on revamping curriculum to emphasize career pathways for a 21st century economy.

  

   Not everyone got on board, however, particularly when it came to building a modern manufacturing lab in the midst of a recession.

   "Some community members said  'Why are you spending money on that? Manufacturing is dead in the U.S.," Lopez Recalled.

  

  That local industry and education leaders say, is a misperception that needs to be abandoned if there's any hope of filling the 80,000 manufacturing jobs currently open in Illinois alone.

  To catch up with what many are calling a manufacturing Renaissance -economic activity in the sector expanded in May for the 34th. consecutive month, according to the Institute  for Supply Management --Harper College is partnering with more than 70  manufacturers in its district.

  The Palatine community college this fall will launch an Advanced Manufacturing programs allowing students to, in as few as 18 months, earn specialized certifications, complete a paid internship and prepare for either a career or four-year institution.

   "We have educated and trained around economy that no longer exists, and we're still figuring out how to catch up to the one that is here and emerging", Harper President Ken Ender Said. "We think this will make a difference with respect to the kids of pipelines we can supply to  the manufacturers in the district."

  The Harper program includes a three-month paid internship related to the student's field.