When students from some 20 schools located across the southern tier of New York went looking for opportunities to learn about careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields last month, they found inspiration in the supply chain.

Lift truck vendor The Raymond Corp. invited more than 250 high school students to visit its headquarters in Greene, N.Y., on Oct. 12 to celebrate National Manufacturing Day, a nationwide program designed to help manufacturers address the skilled labor shortage, connect with future generations, and take charge of the sector's public image.

The event included a manufacturing floor tour, an interactive game with giveaways, and product demonstrations. Among the products on display were a range of forklifts, the company's fleet management system, and its virtual reality (VR) simulator. Students at the event also had a chance to speak with Raymond professionals about the next generation of manufacturing and how they can pave their own career paths in the industry.

That conversation was a two-way street, Raymond says, noting that it helped bring the kids' creative ideas into the 95-year-old firm. "The material handling industry is craving the younger generation's fresh thinking, which can push and challenge our industry to stretch and reach new potential," Rick Harrington, senior vice president of operations at Raymond, said in a release. "We want to ignite curiosity among students about career possibilities in STEM and showcase opportunities available in their community."