Behind the Scenes at Swagelok: CES Solon High School Student Chapter Explores STEM Careers
On December 22, 2025, members of the Cleveland Engineering Society (CES) Solon High School Student Chapter—along with their parents—had the opportunity to step inside one of Northeast Ohio’s leading manufacturers for an unforgettable industry tour at Swagelok. The visit offered a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at a real-world manufacturing environment and the many career paths that exist within it.
During the tour, students and parents explored Swagelok’s manufacturing floor, where they saw engineering, precision manufacturing, quality control, and advanced technologies in action. From observing complex processes to learning how teams collaborate to design, build, and deliver high-quality products, participants gained a clearer understanding of how classroom concepts translate into real-world applications.
Beyond the equipment and processes, the tour highlighted the wide range of STEM and technical careers available in modern manufacturing. Students learned that opportunities extend far beyond traditional engineering roles, including careers in skilled trades, operations, quality assurance, automation, and leadership. Hearing directly about these pathways helped students better envision what their future after graduation could look like—and how their interests and skills might align with careers in engineering and manufacturing.
Parents also benefited from the experience, gaining insight into the evolving landscape of manufacturing and the strong, rewarding career options available to students who pursue technical education, certifications, or engineering degrees. The tour sparked meaningful conversations about post-graduation pathways and the value of hands-on learning experiences.
The Cleveland Engineering Society is proud to provide opportunities like this to its student members, connecting them with local industry leaders and exposing them to real-world STEM environments. The Swagelok industry tour reinforced CES’s mission to inspire the next generation of engineers and technical professionals while strengthening the connection between education and industry in our region.
We extend our sincere thanks to Swagelok for opening their doors and investing in the future workforce. Experiences like these leave a lasting impact and help students take important steps toward discovering their passions and potential career paths.