Tooling U-SME Blog

Cross-Training: Creating a Flexible Workforce for When it is Needed the Most

Date: June 03, 2020
Posted by:John Hindman, Director of Learning Services, Tooling U-SME

Tooling U-SME has launched a series of learning and development webinars to address current pain points for manufacturers. The first was Strategic and Effective Onboarding is Critical for Surge Hiring, which focuses on how to get a new worker to qualification of a specific job assignment. Read More.

Strategic and Effective Onboarding is Critical for Surge Hiring

Date: May 21, 2020
Posted by:John Hindman, Director of Learning Services, Tooling U-SME

As with all industries, manufacturing has been deeply impacted by COVID-19. Companies are focused on how to keep their employees safe and their businesses running.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), 78 percent of survey respondents anticipate a financial impact. Additionally, more than half (53 percent) anticipate a change in operations. Read More.

COVID-19 Reinforces Potential for Additive Manufacturing With 3D Printing, Training Urgently Needed

Date: May 12, 2020
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

COVID-19 unexpectedly demonstrated the potential of 3D printing in a very public way. Read more and learn how manufacturers and healthcare professionals came together to create and deliver 3D printed lifesaving equipment such as ventilators, nasal swabs, and face shields to combat the deadly virus. Read More.

Online Learning Is Here to Stay: Buy In, Get Started, Love It

Date: May 05, 2020
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

We are recording sessions with several Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors so other schools and colleges can hear how these early adopters have implemented and optimized an elearning program. You may listen to that recording here. These instructors can offer valuable insights on how to integrate elearning and overcome possible objections to it. Today we are pleased to welcome Tim Blizzard, Instructor Machine Technology from Carroll County Career and Technology Center in Westminster, Maryland. Read More.

Blending Online Learning with Hands-On Experience: A Proven Approach

Date: May 01, 2020
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

We have recorded sessions with several Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors so other colleges can hear directly from them about the best ways to successfully set up and use an elearning system. These interviews allow schools to learn best practices, avoid pitfalls and quickly convert to online learning, enabling them to continue to serve the educational needs of their students. Today is the fourth in a five-part series, and we are pleased to welcome Tad Montgomery, Lead Instructor, Machine Tool Technology from Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama. Read More.

Facing the COVID-19 Crisis: Resources for Educators Pivoting to Online Education

Date: April 29, 2020
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

In just the last six weeks, our educational system has been completely transformed. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many states have now ordered or recommended that schools don’t reopen this academic year, and instead, rely on remote learning.

In an impressive feat, Department of Education leaders and instructors across the country quickly pivoted to find virtual solutions for their students. Suddenly, online education has become an urgent national necessity. Read More.

Using Online Learning and Hands-On Experience in a Competency-Based Machinist Program

Date: April 28, 2020
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

Today is the third in a five-part series and we are pleased to welcome Bret Holmes, Machinist Program Coordinator from Ogden-Weber Technical College in Ogden, Utah. Read More.

Best Practices for Using a Virtual Learning Classroom for High School and Adult Students

Date: April 23, 2020
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

Today’s interview is the second in a five-part series, and we are pleased to welcome Kevin Finan, machine tool technology instructor from Atlantic Technical College and Technical High School in Coconut Creek, Florida. Read More.

Using Online Classes to Create Digital Learning Environments: Insights from CTE Instructors

Date: April 21, 2020
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

Today is the first in a five-part series, and we are pleased to welcome Conrad Mercurius, Coordinator of Advanced Manufacturing Technology from Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Read More.

Meeting Demand for Skilled Welders Requires New Training Solutions

Date: April 14, 2020
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

Demand for welders is on the rise. From rebuilding bridges to manufacturing cars, skilled welders are needed to advance the economy. But what happens if there aren’t enough welding experts to do the job?

It’s concerning that the United States will need more than 450,000 welding professionals by 2022, according to the American Welding Society (AWS). Read More.