On July 29, the Southland Development Authority (SDA) celebrated the achievements of its 10 SDA Metals HUB Engineering Technology summer interns with a special event at the Country House Restaurant in Alsip, Ill. The event brought together interns, local high school leaders, and business owners for a meeting and buffet-style breakfast, providing an opportunity for acknowledgment and a big thank you to all the interns, the high schools, and businesses that supported the program. 

The breakfast marked the culmination of an eight-week internship program designed to nurture future workers in engineering and manufacturing through hands-on learning and mentorship from industry professionals. Ten high school juniors and seniors from three Illinois high school districts in Chicago’s south suburbs (205, 218 and 228) participated. The program encompassed 10 high schools: 

• Thornridge, Thornton, Thornwood (205) 

• Eisenhower, Richards, Shepard (218) 

• Bremen, Hillcrest, Oak Forest, Tinley Park (228) 

Harry Holtz, director of the SDA Metals HUB and creator of the internship program, led the event. Each student in attendance shared their internship experiences and future career aspirations. Some of the skills gained and/or improved during the Summer Internship program included resume creation, interviewing, advanced welding techniques, proper part measuring methods (milling, press brake,Computer numerical control (CNC) machinery), reverse engineering, tool crib operations, tapping machine operations, creating exploded views, engineering software (Ideagen, Fusion 360, Inventor), sheet metal pinches/dies, and prototype development. 

LeAndrick Jackson, an intern from Eisenhower High School, shared that the program will help him “push forward in the real world and the industry,” as he plans to study mechanical engineering at Bradley University. 

Steve Fudala, of Machine Systems Corporation in Crestwood, Ill., praised the interns' preparedness and ability to apply their knowledge, particularly highlighting LeAndrick's proficiency with Computer-Aided Design software (CAD). 

Dylan Labudiong, another intern from Eisenhower High School, also reflected on the program's impact. “I learned a lot but also realized I have a lot to learn,” Labudiong said. “It was a very good experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity.

”Seidy Benitez, a senior at Bremen High School, highlighted the practical skills she gained. “I got to use tools I never used before,” Benitez said. “It was a great learning experience and shows you what you will be doing in the field.” 

Manuel Paez, of Bremen High School, and Jose Montesino, of Oak Forest High School, echoed similar sentiments about the program’s value. 

Joseph Rubio, of Bremen High School, expressed his surprise at how enjoyable the internship experience was, noting that it exceeded his expectations. 

Atxel Oceguada, of Thornton High School, expressed his initial hesitation when he received the email about the internship, but he decided to give it a try, ultimately finding it to be a rewarding experience. 

The high school representatives lauded the program's benefits for their students. 

Frank LaMantia, a recently retired official at District 218, remarked, “This is what the state is looking for in regards to community partnership.” 

Marilyn Rouse, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Administrator for District 205, emphasized the program's significance, stating, “This has been an unbelievable opportunity for our students. I hope we can expand the opportunity.” 

Renee Mack, the Career Readiness Coordinator for District 228, expressed pride in the students for their positive representation of the district, highlighting their commitment and potential. 

April Nykaza, the CTE District Supervisor at Bremen High School in District 228, emphasized the importance of community support for educational programs, noting the need for more engagement like that provided by SDA. Their reflections underscored the value of collaboration between schools and community partners in fostering student success. 

The internship program included field trips toAmadaandLion Electric, designed to expand students’ understanding of the metals manufacturing industry. All interns received a certificate of completion, recognizing their hard work and dedication. 

Several industry representatives shared their strong, favorable impressions of the interns and the SDA Metals HUB Engineering Technology program. 

Ed Freimuth of Versatility Tool Works and Manufacturingin Alsip, Ill., was very pleased with interns’ summer contributions. Mike Bettinardi, of Donson Machine, in Alsip, Ill., acknowledged the program's role in fostering valuable connections within the industry. 

The Metals HUB intern breakfast highlighted the success of the SDA Metals HUB Engineering Technology Internship Program, fostering talent and providing valuable industry exposure for Southland youth while generating new, talented workforce opportunities for Southland metals manufacturers.

In total, seven of the 10 interns attended: Seidy Benitez (Bremen High School), LeAndrick Jackson (Eisenhower High School), Dylan Labudiong (Eisenhower High School), Jose Montesino (Oak Forest High School), Atxel Oceguada (Thornton High School), Manuel Paez (Bremen High School), and Joseph Rubio (Bremen High School). 

Nathaniel Koleczek (Oak Forest High School), Victor Munoz (Thornton High School), and Victoria Nebus (Shepard High School) were absent from the event. 

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 the  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.