Mayor Kenney Encourages Job Growth During 'Manufacturing Day'
by Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was "Manufacturing Day" on Friday, and Mayor Kenney spent the day with high school kids and manufacturing workers, to not only encourage job growth in the industry, but to also encourage lifelong dreams.
Inside the PTR Baler warehouse, where trash compact machines are produced, a group of workers, high school students, and teachers chatted with Mayor Jim Kenney about ways to strengthen the manufacturing industry, and spur job growth in Philadelphia.
"They are smart, they're engaged, they have skills, and they need some help and guidance," said Mayor Kenney.
He says infusing resources into vocational and technical skills is a vital way to bolster the economy.
"They can make a living, raise families, and buy homes, and pay taxes into our city for the rest of their lives," said Kenney.
Harry Graham is a welding teacher at Ben Franklin High School and sat in on the talk.
"I'd actually like to see Philadelphia, or the school district of Philadelphia, build a regional technical high school," said Graham.
He believes it would set them up for life
"A lot of times I think when people get in trouble with the system, it's because they don't have the opportunity," Graham said.
Which would help his students Michael and Kevin achieve their dreams.
"Working at an oil rig, doing under water welding," said Michael.
"I dream of having my own business, my own company," said Kevin.
