The manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in Central Minnesota’s economy, providing a range of employment opportunities, from production to engineering to accounting to sales, and many more options. In fact, there are more than 40,000 people working at more than 1,100 different manufacturing employers in Central Minnesota, making average weekly wages of $1,456. 

But often young people aren’t aware of the manufacturing careers available in their hometowns – and that many of those manufacturing employment opportunities require a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training to start. That means young people can get on an in-demand career path without incurring student debt.

That's where Operation Exploration, hands-on career exploration camps for area high school students, comes in. Operation Exploration connects manufacturers with students through one-to-two-week interactive camps. Leading CareerForce partner Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS) has been at the forefront of organizing Operation Exploration for six years. In 2026 there were seven Operation Exploration Camps.

CMJTS offers Operation Exploration Camps to help high school students explore a variety of different manufacturing opportunities by talking with people currently employed in those roles, rotating through a series of interactive stations focused on precision manufacturing, welding, automation, quality control and workplace safety. They even get to try out production machines in a supervised setting to witness the advanced technologies currently used on production floors across the region.

Operation Exploration is designed to expose young people to the wide array of opportunities available in the manufacturing industry. By engaging manufacturers in the initiative, the program aims to educate, inspire and equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue successful careers in manufacturing. 

Manufacturers actively engage in Operation Exploration by contributing to curriculum development, participating in program activities, and providing participants with crucial opportunities such as tours, job shadowing, and work experience. Through their involvement, they not only foster a pipeline of skilled workers but also gain the opportunity to connect with future talent in the industry. 

Local school districts are engaged in the initiative and refer young people to CMJTS– helping to open doors for their students to explore manufacturing employment opportunities. 

Operation Exploration ignites interest, nurtures talent and bridges the gap between education and industry. As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, initiatives like Operation Exploration will be instrumental in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals and ensuring the sustained growth of the industry in central Minnesota. 

• Read an article about Operation Exploration in the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association online magazine
• Learn more about Operation Exploration Camps, contact Diana Ristamaki at dristamaki@cmjts.org or 320-364-0321
• Watch a video about Operation Exploration Camps
• Read a blog article about manufacturing employment opportunities from Central Minnesota Regional Labor Market Analyst Luke Greiner
• Download this resource to use with young people: Student flyer: 5 Great Reasons to Choose a Career in Manufacturing
• Find contact information for a CareerForce location near you