Tooling U-SME Blog

Strong Manufacturing Communities Help Close the Skills Gap

Date: March 13, 2019
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

By now, we’ve all heard the daunting news: Nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely need to be filled over the next decade. And because of the impending skills gap caused in large part by baby-boomer retirements and changing technology, 2 million of those jobs are likely to remain unfilled. What’s more, this shortage cannot quickly be remedied, as it takes an average of 70 days to recruit skilled production workers. Read More.

Getting Started With Lean

Date: February 26, 2019
Posted by:Chad Vincent, Director of Lean Manufacturing, American Railcar Industries

Chad Vincent is a Continuous Improvement Leader with 20 years of experience, having a successful record of orchestrating cultural change and improving organizational performance utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. He is the former chair of the Lean Certification Oversight and Appeals Committee. In this blog post, he discusses how organizations can begin their lean journey. Read More.

A Unique Solution to Tackle the Shortage of CNC Machinists

Date: February 19, 2019
Posted by:Ivan Rosenberg, Founder, Uniquely Abled Project, Valley Village, California and Mike Bastine, Director, Uniquely Abled Academy, College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, California

Today we are so pleased to welcome Ivan Rosenberg and Mike Bastine to discuss the first-of-its-kind collaboration between machine technology educators and specialists in education to provide specialized training and job placement in the manufacturing industry. Read More.

Talent Accelerates a Digital Transformation

Date: February 12, 2019
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

According to SME’s Manufacturing in the New Industry 4.0 Era Survey, manufacturers say that two top barriers preventing smart technology are people related are lack of corporate leadership to lead and plan a smart manufacturing strategy Read More.

Uncovering the True Cost of Turnover

Date: February 05, 2019
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

Relentless turnover in the manufacturing industry is threatening companies focused on driving productivity and profitability. Voluntary turnover takes its toll on company culture, and also costs organizations hundreds of thousands and up to millions of dollars.

It is concerning that two out of five manufacturers (43%) indicate an average 20% or higher annual turnover, according to Tooling U-SME’s Industry Pulse: 2018 Manufacturing Workforce Report. Read More.

Don’t Fear What’s Ahead for Smart Workforce

Date: January 22, 2019
Posted by:John Hindman, Director of Learning Services, Tooling U-SME

As the Smart Manufacturing revolution transforms the industry, some are concerned that technology will end up trumping human capital. That is unlikely to happen and here’s why.

Technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), is already changing how business is done. Yet with all these advancements, people are still a critical piece of our collective success in the manufacturing industry. Read More.

Three Ways to Commit to Training & Development

Date: January 15, 2019
Posted by:John Hindman, Director of Learning Services, Tooling U-SME

The digital revolution is here to stay. Here are three ways you can stay competitive. Read More.

Looking Back at Tooling U-SME’s Progress in 2018

Date: December 11, 2018
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

As I look back on 2018, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. From new partnerships to product launches, we introduced initiatives and secured programs that will positively impact the training and development of the incumbent and next-generation manufacturing workforce – now and in the future. Read More.

Becoming the Best of the Best

Date: December 06, 2018
Posted by:Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME

The players in the top 10 are consistent high performers such as Apple, Amazon.com, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble. Companies are evaluated in five categories: innovation, financial strength, social responsibility, employment engagement and development, and customer satisfaction.

The Journal found that the top 50 companies distinguished themselves from the rest of the organizations on the list by consistently ranking above the others in each of the five evaluation areas. Read More.

Job Seekers and Employers Benefit From Community Training Programs

Date: December 04, 2018
Posted by:John Hindman, Director of Learning Services, Tooling U-SME

Tooling U-SME’s Industry Pulse: 2018 Workforce Manufacturing Report shows that despite feeling the impact of the workforce shortage, many manufacturers aren’t taking the necessary steps to combat the skills gap. Yet, many are, and these innovative manufacturers are reaching out to their local communities for support. Read More.