Community Programs and Online Learning Provide Solutions for Skills Gap

  • Date: October 30, 2018
  • Posted by:John Hindman, Director of Learning Services, Tooling U-SME

The manufacturing skills gap affects companies of all sizes, in all industries, in all parts of the country. Up to 2 million manufacturing jobs remain unfilled – and for small- and medium-sized companies in remote areas, filling the workforce pipeline can be a considerable challenge.

In the recently released Industry Pulse: 2018 Manufacturing Report, Tooling U-SME found that many actions companies can take to develop and retain employees are within their control, yet the majority are not taking these steps. Read More.

Strike the Right Balance: Boost Training Without Sacrificing Production

  • Date: October 23, 2018
  • Posted by:John Hindman, Director of Learning Services, Tooling U-SME

For years, the “the skills gap” has been threatening to slow growth in the manufacturing industry. At IMTS last month, Tooling U-SME released the Industry Pulse: 2018 Manufacturing Workforce Report which shows that despite repeated warnings, still little has been done when it comes to combatting the dangers of retirements, a decreased talent pipeline and the need for new, advanced technology skills. In fact, only two out of five companies (41%) agree that their company trains people to develop the right skills. Read More.

Model for Career Tech High School Provides Career and College Pathways

  • Date: October 16, 2018
  • Posted by:John Green, Instructor, Lorain County Joint Vocational School (JVS)

John Green, a precision machine technology instructor from Lorain County Joint Vocational School (JVS) in Oberlin, Ohio, shares how he and his team are encouraging students looking for career tech experience to explore career paths and enroll in one of the Lorain County JVS technical programs. Read how students gain skills while earning a diploma from their associate high schools, while businesses in the community support the graduates with job placement in various careers. Read More.

Making Career Development a Priority in America

  • Date: October 10, 2018
  • Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

Manufacturers in America and around the globe are experiencing challenges finding skilled workers to fill available openings. Although there is optimism for sustained growth in the industry, the sector continues to face retirements and technology advancements that further impact the shortage of skilled workers. Another factor interfering with the industry’s progress is low awareness of, or interest in, manufacturing career opportunities among youth. Read More.

Getting Hands-On with Elearning: Instructor Perspectives

  • Date: October 01, 2018
  • Posted by:Therese Schustrich, Account Executive Workforce Education, Tooling U-SME

For years, instructors in manufacturing have been teaching students with the traditional method of classroom instruction followed by hands-on training in the lab. It’s no secret that they prefer the hands-on portion of that training but know that the theory is mandatory.

More and more instructors are turning to elearning to give them more time in the lab while still providing a comprehensive curriculum for their students. To get a sense of what instructors are doing to keep students integrated and engaged with elearning ... Read More.