INSIDE MANUFACTURING:

The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee, the Berkeley County Development Authority, and Blue Ridge Community & Technical College are partnering to offer “Inside Manufacturing” tours for senior students and high school teachers at local industries, including The Clorox Company and HandCraft Healthcare Linen & Uniform Specialists.

These guided tours are designed to give participants a firsthand look at modern manufacturing and workforce opportunities available right here in our region. Students and educators will explore facility operations, learn about in-demand careers, and gain insight into the skills and training needed for today’s workforce.

Both Clorox and HandCraft offer entry-level employment opportunities for high school graduates, providing pathways to rewarding careers in manufacturing and production. During the tours, company representatives will share information about the qualifications, skills, and workplace expectations they seek in new employees, helping students better understand how to prepare for success after graduation.

By connecting education with local industry, these experiences help showcase the wide range of career pathways available after graduation while strengthening awareness of the high-quality employment opportunities that exist within our community.

Thank you to the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce, the Berkeley County Development Authority, and Blue Ridge CTC for their partnership and support in providing opportunities like this for our students and staff.

During the tour, Clorox representatives will highlight opportunities within the Packaging Department that are well-suited for entry-level employees and high school graduates interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing.

The Clorox Company looks for candidates with strong digital aptitude, including proficiency with computers, familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications, and an openness to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automated systems. They also value candidates who demonstrate curiosity and problem-solving skills, particularly those with an interest in troubleshooting equipment or mechanical systems.

In addition to technical skills, The Clorox Company representatives value students who demonstrate accountability, including consistent attendance, job tenure during high school, and participation in extracurricular activities or trade studies.

HandCraft has a variety of entry-level career opportunities available to high school graduates. Typical qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, the ability to stand and work on one's feet for up to eight hours per day, the ability to lift up to 50 pounds depending on the position, and successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screenings. When discussing qualities they seek in candidates entering the workforce, HandCraft consistently emphasizes the importance of effort and energy.