Georgetown, Ky. – During October’s Manufacturing Month, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky opened its doors to a group of Scott County High School students from the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. The visit gave the teens a hands‑on look at how modern automobiles are built and highlighted the high‑tech, well‑paying career paths available in the region’s manufacturing sector.
Plant tour emphasizes technology and skilled work
“It’s a great opportunity to not only show off our plant, but to show off the careers available to students here in central Kentucky,” said Justin Posey of Toyota’s Corporate Communications team. Posey explained that today’s factories are far removed from the outdated, dirty image many people still associate with manufacturing. “They see that it’s not the old, dirty image you might have in your mind of what manufacturing is. It’s high‑tech careers, very high‑paying, skilled positions,” he added.
JAG program connects students to multiple pathways
James Diaz, a senior at Scott County High School and president of the JAG chapter, described the program’s broader mission. “If students want to go to barber school, we find them good paths. If students want to come to trade school, then we get trade people to come. Military, we have a bunch of recruiters coming,” he said.
Local manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the economy
James Conner, a coordinator for Scott County United, noted that 58 percent of workers in Scott County are employed in some form of manufacturing. While that figure underscores the sector’s importance, Conner said the organization aims to broaden opportunities for residents. “We are interested in providing opportunities in all pathways in our communities. That could be healthcare, education, etc. But that number is really strong for us in Scott County in terms of manufacturing,” he explained.
Toyota hopes the tour sparks future innovators
After the plant walk, students participated in a Q&A session with Toyota employees. Posey expressed optimism that the experience could inspire the next generation of innovators. “Maybe students come, get a new idea of what manufacturing is, and they want to become the next innovator here at Toyota,” he said.
Why the visit matters for the region
The tour aligns with Toyota’s ongoing commitment to workforce development in Kentucky. By exposing local youth to advanced manufacturing, the company hopes to sustain a pipeline of skilled workers who can help the plant remain competitive and continue to contribute to the state’s economy. For Scott County families, the event also reinforces the value of exploring multiple career routes, whether in skilled trades, higher education, or the military.
As manufacturing month continues, Toyota plans additional outreach events throughout the state, aiming to strengthen ties between industry and the community while highlighting the promising future of Kentucky’s manufacturing workforce.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
