By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–A select group of Union City Schools students continued to make their rounds recently while exploring local job opportunities.
Tours of Jiffy Steamer and Waymatic Inc., by the Leadership Innovation Team (LIT) highlighted the history, success, and multiple opportunities of both Obion County businesses.
The LIT — made up of a dozen UC Schools students — toured each factory and intuitively asked relative questions regarding the daily business activities, skills needed, and employment opportunities of both.
According to UC Schools’ Career Counselor Lisa Carson, who chaperoned the group, the students were intrigued by both factories regarding how they were founded, how fast they’ve grown, and how they remain successful today.
Combined, Jiffy Steamer and Waymatic have provided more than 150 years of employment for Obion County residents.
Family-owned Jiffy Steamer has grown from the world’s first hat steamer to the largest global steam technology manufacturer since being founded in 1940.
Waymatic Welding and Fabricating was founded in 1954 and has evolved into an ultra-successful builder of small special events/concession trailers. Its 165,00 square-foot facility is located in South Fulton.
Plant Manager Clint Joiner guided UC students on the Jiffy Steamer tour, while Personnel Manager Rodney Taylor did the same at Waymatic.
“Union City Schools is excited to be working collaboratively with the Chamber to provide exposure to careers and jobs in Obion County in an actual work setting,” Carson said. “In doing so, we feel this expands student learning beyond the walls of the classroom into the local community.
“It also provides students with experiences and perspectives that are not possible to duplicate in the classroom setting. More importantly, it instills our utmost goal of developing relationships in the world of work through networking, business exposure, and professional development.”
Members of the LIT group – which includes UC students in grades 8-12 – are:
Jacob Arnold, Addison Carr, Montichello Dale, Zack Davidson, Lindsey De Valle, Chloe Hubbard, Debrionna Jones, Molly Kizer, Trinity Lockridge, Gavin Morgan, Foster Rodgers, and Nakyah Yarbrough.
A part of the group’s mission statement is: “By instilling qualities of innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership a foundation of our future leaders is formed creating an atmosphere for a greater community.”