Workforce Development & Training

Various apprenticeship programs are available to connect the gap between the skills that parts manufacturers need and the ones job seekers offer.

Rather than develop an apprenticeship program in-house, some machine tool builders select to train workers with an already established program. One such offering is the Chicago-based Industry Consortium for Advanced Technical Training Apprenticeship Program, which is detailed in the accompanying video.

Technology has not removed the need to master calculations.

Many parents undervalue manufacturing as a career for their children. However, when parents were told about the financial benefits of jobs in manufacturing, they said they would encourage their children to explore the field.

Caterpillar Inc.'s E4Life program partners with public schools in Peoria, Illinois, to provide hands-on manufacturing experience to high school students with a focus on innovation. Prior to the implementation of this program, Caterpillar spent time with students and potential participants to find out what barriers stand between them and the workforce.

I admit to some bias against school. From about fifth grade on, our educational system and I were rarely on speaking terms. Think oil and water rather than peas and carrots. Needless to say, I left at my earliest opportunity. Aside from that thing with my daughter pulling the fire alarm, my kids were far better students.

Many companies fail to recognize the benefit of having well-designed, effective training programs, despite a proven track record for improving the skills and morale of employees and increasing the flexibility and bottom line of a company.

Vincennes University and the Porter County, Ind., career center are partnering for an early college program. Students seeking careers in precision machining will benefit from a completed addition to the career center and an equipment grant from Vincennes University that provided more than $300,000 in new CNC equipment, manual/conventional equipment, tooling, cabinets, benches and tables.

By 2025, nearly 25 percent of the U.S. population is expected to be 60 years of age or older. With this demographic preparing to exit the workforce and enter retirement, what can be done to retain people's knowledge and pass it down to the next generation of employees?

If the third time is the charm for a grant request in Pardeeville, Wis., all its schools will win. But luck won't get it done. Pardeeville High School applied last month for the Fab Lab grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Council, which awards $25,000 in matching funds for technology education at school districts.

The Eriez Metalworking Demo Truck, a 32-ft. Peterbilt diesel rig with a 24-ft. equipment showroom belonging to Eriez Manufacturing Co., Erie, Pa., is once again traveling across North America to deliver hands-on training and education to customers and distributors. The 2018 tour has started with West Coast stops.

Grayson College has unveiled its $1.4 million Advanced Manufacturing Lab for the school's Career and Technology Center, writes Rhea Bermel in the Herald Democrat. The lab will provide space for large industrial machinery, classrooms and storage and will be used largely to educate students participating in the Advanced Manufacturing Program.