Tooling U-SME Blog

Local Organizations Connect Underserved Communities to Career Pathways

Date: September 08, 2021
Posted by:Krista Maurer

Recently, we highlighted two organizations — Robert C. Byrd Institute and Jane Addams Resource Corporation — that are making an important difference by providing job training and skills development to underserved communities.

Now we’d like to introduce you to two additional programs that are building an important pipeline of entry-level manufacturing employees while providing family-sustaining wages and promising careers to individuals in local communities. Read More.

Local Training Programs for Underserved Communities Create Careers and Combat Skills Shortage

Date: August 04, 2021
Posted by:Therese Schustrich and Krista Maurer, Account Executives Workforce Education, Tooling U-SME

Covid-19 caused slowing in much of the manufacturing industry, but activity is ramping up once again, and the number one priority is hiring a qualified workforce.

We have been inspired by two organizations providing job training and skills development to underserved communities, providing career opportunities for individuals, and solutions to the shortage of skilled workers for employers. Read More.

How Manufacturing Leaders Can Make Effective Use of Their Time

Date: July 08, 2021
Posted by:Dave Ewers, Director of Content Development, Tooling U-SME

Over the past year, my team has noticed an increase in the demand for leadership training in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers want and need actionable tips to help them lead more effectively. So, we found an expert in leadership training, Robin Storti, and partnered with her to launch a four-part webinar series dedicated to leadership in manufacturing. Read More.

How Manufacturing Leaders Can Communicate More Effectively

Date: June 16, 2021
Posted by:Dave Ewers, Director of Content Development, Tooling U-SME

Over the past year, my team has noticed an increase in the demand for leadership training in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers wanted and needed actionable tips to help them lead more effectively. So, we found an expert in leadership training, Robin Storti, and partnered together to launch a four-part webinar series dedicated to leadership in manufacturing. Read More.

Milbank Manufacturing Revamps Training Program, Wins SME Training Award

Date: June 02, 2021
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

Recently we had the opportunity to host a webinar with Milbank Manufacturing, winner of SME’s inaugural Excellence in Manufacturing Training Award. This award recognized Milbank as a manufacturing leader providing outstanding benchmarks for companies seeking to build a workforce strategy. Tami Green, learning and development manager at Milbank, discussed the company’s revamped training program, and I’m excited to share some highlights from this session on the blog today. Read More.

SME Education Foundation COVID Grant Helps THINC Academy Pivot to Online Learning

Date: May 19, 2021
Posted by:Therese Schustrich, Account Executive Workforce Education, Tooling U-SME

In the wake of COVID-19, stay-at-home mandates upended the educational experience for high school students across the country.

In response, the SME Education Foundation partnered with Tooling U-SME in April 2020 to raise funds for online learning licenses for ... Read More.

Tooling U-SME Webinar Showcase: The Additive Farm - Growing Towards Production

Date: May 12, 2021
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

Several decades ago GM built a rapid prototyping additive manufacturing lab but it wasn’t until the late 2010s that the company created a single, cross-functional additive manufacturing team. Coincidentally, the team came together just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck allowing GM to quickly pivot. Read how GM paved the way for extended use of additive manufacturing technology in their automotive realm — leading to savings of weight, time and money. Read More.

Dixon Valve Builds Robust Workforce Development Program

Date: May 07, 2021
Posted by:Sue Mueller, Senior Workforce Development Strategist, Tooling U-SME

We recently caught up with our friends at Dixon Valve. Working with the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP), Dixon created a comprehensive competency-based apprenticeship program that, in turn, inspired a company-wide focus on workforce development. Read More.

New Certification Introduces Basic Manufacturing Concepts for Entry-Level Job Candidates

Date: April 28, 2021
Posted by:Gretchen Schultz, Director of Workforce Development, Tooling U-SME

The need for entry-level workers in manufacturing has never been greater. Nationally, manufacturing jobs are expected to grow by 16.8% over the next five years, and more than one-third of those jobs will be entry-level. Yet, employers are struggling to find qualified candidates who possess the basic manufacturing knowledge needed for these positions. Read More.

Extended Reality Technologies in Manufacturing Training

Date: March 25, 2021
Posted by:Chad Schron, Senior Director, Tooling U-SME

Extended reality (XR) technologies — including mixed, virtual and augmented reality applications in manufacturing — are poised to change the way we work. They’re also changing the way businesses train their employees, a topic that’s explored in an on-demand Tooling U-SME webinar, “Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality in Manufacturing Training Solutions.” Read More.