Workforce Development
“Next Generation Power Electronics Manufacturing.” In all, the President has called on Congress to act on his proposal for a one-time $1 billion investment to create a network of 15 manufacturing innovation institutes across the country. The model is based on approaches that other countries have successfully deployed. Each institute is to serve as a re- gional hub designed to bridge the gap between basic research and product development, bringing together companies, universities and community colleges, and federal agencies to co-invest in technology areas that encourage investment and production in the US. This type of innovation infrastructure provides a unique
“teaching factory” that allows for education and training of students and workers at all levels, while providing the shared assets to help companies—most importantly small manufacturers—access the cutting-edge capabilities and equipment to design, test and pilot new products and manufacturing processes.
Others Take Action
For the Toughest Movement & Positioning Challenges ...
Outside of the federal efforts, others are investing at the state level and beyond. Take the state of Virginia. At its Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), located just south of Richmond, business and higher education sit down at the same table to tackle R&D challenges. Industry sets the agenda, and top academic and industry researchers pursue it in CCAM or university labs. The goal is to provide significant R&D efficiencies through pooled resources and to rapidly accelerate the transfer of innovations to the factory floor where they can improve operations, products and profits. Industry members—including Rolls-Royce, Newport News Shipbuilding, Aerojet, Canon Virginia, Chromalloy, Sandvik Coromant, Siemens and Sulzer Metco—are joined by Virginia research and teaching institutions, including the University of Virginia, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech. Another large area of growth has been partnerships between manufacturers, their equipment suppliers and local schools to develop their own workforces. From Fitzpatrick Manufacturing Co., a 60-year-old CNC job shop in Sterling Heights, MI, to Mastercam University in Tolland, CT, to the Ahaus Apprenticeship Program in Rich- mond, IN, companies are growing their own skilled workers to get the job done.
SME a Trailblazer
The SME Education Foundation (SME-EF) is also involved in developing and supporting a number of efforts, including: • Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) courses, in conjunction with the Project Lead The Way curriculum.
•
CareerME.org, a Web site designed by the National Center for Manufacturing Education.
An Armament Maker needed a way to rapidly and ergonomically attach armor plating to its mine- resistant fighting vehicles. Airfloat designed and built an air-riding platform with a hydraulic arm, enabling greater automation and productivity.
www.air f
loat.com
Air Bearing Equipment • Lift & Tilt Tables • Turntables • Assembly Lines Ergonomic Equipment • Transporters • Rigging Equipment
800- 888- 0018
•
ManufacturingIsCool.com, an award-winning, interactive Web site that engages students in basic engineering and science principles and provides resources for teachers.
• The Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) program, which provides a community-based approach to manufacturing education.
• The Edge Factor Show, a program designed to change the image of manufacturing by giving a fun inside look at advanced manufacturing technology. All of these excellent programs and initiatives need continuing support and engagement by educators, industry, professional organizations and government. ME
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ManufacturingEngineeringMedia.com | July 2013
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