Manufacturing’s New Training Model

  • Date: January 30, 2018
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

Education theories are constantly evolving, and one big shift is around the delivery of skills and knowledge for those entering a career in manufacturing.

For years, learning has been time-based. Whether in a community college, vocational school or workplace, the measurement of success has been based on classroom hours and letter grades. You know the drill: Attend classes, pass tests, move to the next course. Read More.

Help Wanted: Welders

  • Date: January 25, 2018
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

I recently had the opportunity to talk with FF Journal about workforce issues impacting the welding profession. Manufacturing is changing…and so is the welding job description. Automation is at the center of the transformation.

New materials, new technology…these changes in the field are opening up career opportunities for welders – whether relative beginners or those with decades of experience looking to expand their knowledge and skills. Today, individuals must know how to lay down a seam and know how to program and problem solve for robotic welding systems. Read More.

Automotive Workforce Development: A Report with Challenges and Solutions

  • Date: January 18, 2018
  • Posted by:Jeff Krause, Chief Executive Officer, SME

For many years, American manufacturing was defined by the might and capability of automotive manufacturing and the businesses producing automotive parts and products; it remains an important part of the American economy. The U.S. auto industry saw 2017 sales of 17.2 million vehicles – the third-straight year of sales over 17 million vehicles. More than 948,200 U.S. workers are employed in auto manufacturing jobs, producing vehicles and parts for a domestic market – and a growing global market. Read More.

Apprenticeships — Passé or Panacea? And why all the hype?

  • Date: January 08, 2018
  • Posted by:Bruce Hamm

As the former Director of Business Engagement at MACNY The Manufacturers Association, Bruce Hamm created and developed a Central New York-based registered apprenticeship program in advanced manufacturing and acted as business intermediary with the companies and the NY Department of Labor. A partner with Tooling U-SME, he shares his insights about the current state of apprenticeships in America. Read More.