Blog | Tooling U-SME

Partnership Strengthens Workforce Development Initiatives

Date: July 06, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

At Tooling U-SME, we believe that stronger partnerships provide higher-quality results for all stakeholders. That’s why we’re pleased to be part of the new National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Advisory Council, which brings training programs in line with high-demand skills and knowledge in today’s manufacturing environment. Specifically, our partnership with NIMS aligns Tooling U-SME’s competency-based workforce education with manufacturing industry-driven certifications. Joining the council from Tooling U-SME are Chad Schron, Senior Director, and Gretchen Schultz, Director of Workforce Development.

Working together, Tooling U-SME and NIMS are better able to bridge the gap between both organization’s workforce development initiatives. Read More.

New Michigan Career Pathway Alliance is the right approach – at a pivotal time – for the manufacturing workforce

Date: June 30, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

This week, Michigan announced a new alliance, the Michigan Career Pathway Alliance, geared toward supporting students on whatever career path they wish to take, while enhancing opportunities within career technical education (CTE).

Plans proposed by the alliance highlight how industry and educators can come together to create a 21st century education system that supports all students in whatever career path they take. Education today is paramount, but there is more than one path to achieving that education. For the past 20-30 years, the focus has been on encouraging students to go to college and get a four-year degree, often at the expense of careers available through all of the opportunities that come with apprenticeships, technical schools and industry certifications. Read More.

The Collaborative Path to Workforce Solutions

Date: June 27, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

I’ve been reminded this month of the importance of collaboration, of partnerships to advance and support manufacturing – specifically, the current workforce development challenges facing us.

It’s opportunity, of course, in the guise of challenge. Opportunity for partnerships with industry, small enterprises, education, advocacy and training groups like SME to work together and find meaningful solutions. Opportunity for government at every level to engage and support: to participate in the creation of solutions. It may be the most important work of our careers. Read More.

Be a HILO: 7 Best Practices

Date: June 20, 2017
Posted by:Dave Ewers

Investing in people is as critical as investing in equipment or technology when it comes to remaining ahead of the competition.

According to a study by Bersin & Associates, high-impact learning organizations (HILO) with a strong learning foundation in place, tend to significantly outperform their peers in several areas: Read More.

Cox Manufacturing: A Model Apprenticeship Program

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

This week we've heard about the White House championing efforts to build a stronger workforce by expanding training initiatives such as apprenticeship programs. At Tooling U-SME, we are already working with leading companies embarking on these learn-and-earn programs to develop the future workforce. Read More.

A Renewed Commitment: Apprenticeships

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

Citing a commitment to “supporting working families and creating a pathway for them to have robust and successful careers,” the White House declared this week to be Workforce Development Week, with the president making appearances to promote the elevation of apprenticeships as a central role in his labor policy.

We are pleased with this acknowledgement of America’s massive skills gap, and certainly agree that apprenticeships can play a central, critical role in addressing America’s current and growing need for skilled workers. Read More.

Accelerate Your Success

Date: June 08, 2017
Posted by:Dave Ewers

Somehow it’s June, and we are halfway through the year.

We talk with manufacturers all around the country who are optimistic about the potential for strong business results...but concerned this success could be in jeopardy due to a lack of skilled workers.

Growth, productivity, customer satisfaction, safety — all business results are contingent on having qualified, motivated people in the right positions.

But there is a shift in the industry. Manufacturers are tired of waiting around to see what the job market produces on its own and are taking control by creating and sustaining their own pipeline. Read More.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Date: June 06, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

Regardless of the industry, business competitiveness is fundamental. Lean thinking helps improve competitiveness by instilling a culture of continuous improvement. In a Lean culture, the entire organization is committed to a thought process and actions that increase productivity, sales, and market share. Lean methodology aims to deliver maximum value while minimizing waste.

Today, in order to be successful, all areas of a company – beyond production – need Lean thinking. Read More.

Partnership in Workforce Education Drives Business Results

Date: May 31, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

We always advise our customers developing a new or enhanced training program to attach their goals to business results. After all, the desired end-result of a training program is a strong company, which contributes to a strong nation.

And we are always excited to partner with organizations that speak the same language. Read More.

Making Way with Additive

Date: May 25, 2017
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Vice President, Tooling U-SME

With all the buzz surrounding additive manufacturing, you’d think it was created yesterday. The truth is, additive has been around for quite a while—since the early 1980s. What makes this technology so exciting right now is its affordability and the advances in materials that are now hitting the market. With prices as low as $500, just about anyone can buy a 3D printer today. And the advances in materials, especially in metals, are helping to bring this futuristic technology to mainstream manufacturing. Read More.