JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. —

The next generation of advanced manufacturing workers got an inside look Tuesday at what it’s like to work in the state’s largest economic driver as the economic development organization One Southern Indiana kicked off Manufacturing Week.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of employed Indiana residents work in the advanced manufacturing industry.

About 600 Southern Indiana high school students and more than 10 manufacturing firms are taking part in this year’s programming.

According to John Launius, One Southern Indiana’s chief economic growth officer, these students are entering the field during a period of explosive growth.

“Over the past 30 months, we have announced over 4,500 new jobs and $2.6 billion in capital investment,” Launius said.

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