Blog | Tooling U-SME

Manufacturing’s New Training Model

Date: January 30, 2018
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-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, Vice President, Tooling U-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.

Closing Out a Great Year at Tooling U-SME

Date: December 19, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

Manufacturing is one of the greatest and most progressive industries in society, playing an integral role in creating productivity, stimulating research and development, and spurring economic growth. Since the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing processes have changed dramatically, and today we are in the midst of a renaissance that promises to help the sector remain the lifeblood of many economies. With advancements in areas such as Industry 4.0, the sky is the limit for the industry we value so much. Read More.

Improving Lives by Providing Workforce Education and Job Placement

Date: December 13, 2017
Posted by:Randal Watson

Today, we welcome Randal Watson, Instructor, Northeastern Technical College in South Carolina, one of the technical colleges that partners with Tooling U-SME to train the technology experts of the future. Read More.

Pella Corp: Opening Doors Through Workforce Development

Date: December 05, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

A recent IndustryWeek article reported the demand for skilled professionals is at a 10-year high. The manufacturing industry — likely your company too — is actively looking for ways to recruit and retain for open positions, from machinist to welder.

We are inspired by Pella Corporation’s story and approach to this challenge. Based in Pella, Iowa, the company has been creating innovative and high-quality windows and doors for more the 90 years. Read More.

Apprenticeships: A National Industry Standard Through Collaboration

Date: November 17, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

Today is our last National Apprenticeship Week post but our efforts to build and sustain successful apprenticeship programs continue 365.

Fortunately, an experienced network of experts supports these ongoing efforts. The “team” includes manufacturers, educators, individuals, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), unions, workforce agencies, and community-based organizations. Read More.

Apprenticeships Build Culture

Date: November 16, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

The beauty of apprenticeships is that employees get paid while training for skilled positions that will launch them on a promising and lucrative career path. Instead of racking up debt like many students pursuing two-year and four-year college degrees, apprentices earn money while they learn. As we all know, a debt-free education is a huge asset.

Another bonus is that in a Registered Apprenticeship program, certified by the Department of Labor, apprentices receive steady wage increases with proficiency so they are regularly rewarded for their hard work and advancement. Some companies also offer bonuses and other perks along the way. Read More.

Changing Lives: West Va. Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Date: November 15, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

Today we want to tell you about two dynamic women who had the courage to change their lives by entering the West Virginia Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Frustrated with the erratic hours and non-guaranteed pay structure of her restaurant industry job, Fran Barker, 37, decided to make a change. When the West Virginia Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship Program popped up on an employment search website, Fran thought, “I need this. I can do this!” Read More.