Cool Jobs /
28 | Saturday, October 18, 2025 Elk River Star News
Cool Jobs /
From page 24
modern manufacturing.
After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program returned stronger than ever. In 2023, the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce and the City of Rogers invited ISD 728 to expand the tour, launching a second annual event in Rogers. Now, both cities collaborate with the district each October to highlight local manufacturers— from precision machining and robotics to packaging and engineering.
The Rogers Cool Jobs Tour took place Oct. 3. The Elk River Cool Jobs Tour will be held Oct. 23.
Unlike a typical career fair, the Cool Jobs Tour is an interactive experience. Students and parents visit multiple manufacturing facilities, meet professionals in the field and see cutting-edge equipment in action. The event underscores the message that modern manufacturing is high-tech, high-skill and high-paying.
Local employers value the opportunity to showcase their work and connect with future talent, while students gain a firsthand look at career pathways that can begin during high school through the district’ s CTE Internship Program and continue after graduation through technical training programs.
Each event includes a panel featuring ISD 728 CTE staff, DEED workforce strategy consultants, technical college representatives, high school interns, Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association staff and others who share success stories and resources for launching a career in manufacturing.
Through partnerships with education, business and community organizations, the Cool Jobs Tour celebrates the strength of local industry and inspires the next generation to discover the“ cool” side of manufacturing.
The Cool Jobs Tour is free and open to community members, especially middle and high school students and their parents or guardians.
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Each event includes a panel featuring ISD 728 CTE staff, DEED workforce strategy consultants, technical college representatives, high school interns, Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association staff and others who share success stories and resources for launching a career in manufacturing.
The final Cool Jobs Tour of the year will take place from 4 to 7:30 p. m.
Thursday, Oct. 23, at several manufacturing locations.
For details or to register, visit: business. elkriverchamber. org / events / details / cool-jobstour-2025-32674.
833-204-7200
* Ten percent off any job over $ 2500 up to a max of $ 500 Coupon must be presented at time of inspection. Offer may not be combined with any other offer. Limit one per customer. Ask inspector for further details. Promo valid through 10 / 31 / 2025
. For state licenses visit Groundworks. com / licensing