SPC Hosts Inaugural Annual Manufacturing Symposium

On Oct. 1, 2025, St. Philip’s College Southwest Campus welcomed students, industry leaders, and community partners for its first National Manufacturing Day Symposium, an event designed to highlight the economic impact of manufacturing and inspire future generations to pursue high-demand careers in the field.

The program featured remarks from St. Philip’s College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, and keynote speaker Carla Wright, Vice President of Manufacturing at Toyota North America.

St. Philip's College President Dr. Adena Williams Loston said the symposium underscores the importance of preparing students to meet the workforce needs of a rapidly evolving industry.

“As of August 2025, U.S. manufacturing has contributed $2.90 trillion to the economy, with job openings at 415,000 and average annual earnings of more than $102,000,” Dr. Loston said. “That opportunity is significant, but so is the challenge. We must close the talent gap, and that starts with education and training.”

Carla Wright, who oversees daily operations at Toyota Texas, the $4.7 billion facility that produces the Toyota Tundra and all-hybrid Sequoia, spoke about the future of advanced manufacturing and the need for collaboration between education and industry to build a sustainable workforce.

Attendees toured the college’s manufacturing labs, including programs in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Automated Industrial Processes, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC). The day concluded with a manufacturing employer and resource fair, connecting students with potential job opportunities and industry representatives.

The symposium coincides with National Manufacturing Month, a nationwide initiative that promotes the role of manufacturing in the U.S. economy and seeks to inspire interest in high-skill, high-wage careers.