This summer marks a joyful milestone for the Southland Development Authority (SDA) with the launch of the SDA Metals HUB Engineering Technology Internship Program. Aimed at nurturing the next generation of engineering and manufacturing leaders, this initiative provided Southland teens with invaluable hands-on experience in cutting-edge manufacturing careers—and provided esteemed Southland metals firms with a source of young talent.

The new program is an example of how the SDA Metals HUB leverages the support and funding of Cook County to promote and advance the region’s manufacturing sector. The effort was supported by about $1 million the County provided through American Rescue Plan Act funding.

In its pilot year, the first iteration of the SDA Metals HUB Engineering Technology Internship Program took place over eight weeks this July and August. The inaugural cohort featured 10 motivated high school juniors and seniors from school districts 205 (Thornton High School, Thornridge High School, Thornwood High School), 218 (Eisenhower High School, Richards High School, Shepard High School) and 228 (Bremen High School, Tinley Park High School, Hillcrest High School, Oak Forest High School). The students embarked on an intensive journey encompassing approximately 320 hours of immersive internship instruction and experience.

The backbone of this transformative program lies in its partnership with six esteemed Southland metals manufacturers, all members of the SDA Metals HUB consortium: Donson Machine, LB Steel, Machining Systems Corp., Pioneer Service Inc., Pro Fabricating Machining and Welding, and Versatility Tool Works and Manufacturing Co. These industry leaders not only mentored the students but also provided them with real-world insights and hands-on learning opportunities.

During the internship program, students engaged in authentic, career-focused tasks tailored to their interest in manufacturing. The students also benefited from personalized mentorship from industry experts and gained a comprehensive understanding of the pathways to employment within various manufacturing-related career tracks. Beyond skill acquisition, they built invaluable networks that can catalyze future career opportunities.

“This program is more than just an internship; it’s a gateway to a promising future,” remarked Harry Holtz, Director of the SDA Metals HUB and creator of the internship program. “By fostering talent within our local Southland communities, we are strengthening our workforce and building a foundation for sustained economic growth.”

Going above and beyond the typical mandate of a manufacturing consortium, the SDA Metals HUB is committed to empowering Southland youth through practical skill development and industry exposure, with a particular emphasis on partnering with area high schools located in underserved communities. The SDA Metals HUB is deeply committed to cultivating diversity in the engineering and manufacturing fields.

This transformative, community-based work is only possible thanks to significant, sustained support from the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development. With the backing of Cook County, the SDA Metals HUB continues to catalyze change and growth in the Southland metals manufacturing landscape. 

About Southland Development Authority

The Southland Development Authority is a nonprofit business organization launched in 2019 by business, civic, and political leaders from around the Southland who recognize the potential of the region’s people, businesses, and real estate. Our mission is to bring the resources and capacity needed to achieve transformative, inclusive economic growth for the south suburbs with a focus on investments in the Southland’s communities, industry, housing, and workforce.

The southern suburbs of Chicago are rich with strong metals, machinery and equipment (MM&E) companies, large and small. The Metals HUB was established by SDA to foster the growth and advancement of manufacturers in the metals, machinery, and equipment (MM&E) industry with a focus on the south suburbs of Cook County, Ill. The Metals HUB is working to knit individual entities into a powerful metals collaborative—with the depth and scale to lead or support supply needs for any manufacturer, anywhere.