Vo-Tech Students View Manufacturing Careers At Lakewood Company

LAKEWOOD, NJ — For students who are considering learning a trade instead of going to college, deciding what to pursue or how the trade can be used can be a daunting process.

A Lakewood company offered a tour of its plant on Friday to help students from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School see possible careers they can pursue in manufacturing.

Aquatherm Industries, located in the Lakewood Industrial Park, manufactures low- and intermediate-temperature polymer solar thermal heating systems and supplies other cost-effective water heating technologies that minimize environmental impact.

The tour for 33 OCVTS juniors and seniors was geared toward showing them modern manufacturing and all aspects of running a manufacturing company, including engineering and design, production and administration.

"Manufacturing isn't just about making things; it's about innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving," said Dan Sizelove, vice president of sales and marketing at Aquatherm Industries. "It's a world where creativity meets precision, and students like these can play a vital role in shaping the future of US manufacturing."

Jenna Rosenfeld, the employment and industry development coordinator for OCVTS, said the school was grateful for the opportunity provided to their students.

"Not only did they tour the facility, but they got to engage with the engineering and quality control leads, and also use tools and materials that are used to create the product," Rosenfeld said. "It is critical for Ocean County Vocational Technical School to be directly tied to industry. Having our students so connected to multiple professionals, in addition to their highly qualified instructors, is part of what sets us apart."

"We hope that by having opened our doors to the OCVTS students, we have inspired them to see how their own strengths and interests could align to careers in manufacturing," Sizelove said.

Aquatherm hopes to expand the event next year to include additional local high schools.

Aquatherm, founded in 1989, has more than 50 full-time employees at its 50,0000-square-foot plant, company officials said. The event was part of Manufacturing Day, a national effort to show students options for careers in manufacturing.