Cardinal Mooney High School seniors Massimo Furr and BJ Granberry were among the students exploring the world of robotics during Manufacturing Day at Youngstown State University (YSU). They manipulated a collaborative robot using a tablet, learning how to make it move and perform tasks. This event, held at the Excellence Training Center (ETC) in YSU’s Kohli Hall, is part of an annual initiative to introduce students to modern manufacturing careers.
What Happened
On the first Friday of October, YSU hosted Manufacturing Day, drawing approximately 60 students from six Mahoning Valley high schools, including Bristol, Warren G. Harding, Lordstown, Mahoning County Career & Technical Center, and Valley STEM + ME2 Academy. The event aimed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in robotics and other manufacturing technologies. Steve Pownell, program manager in workforce training-robotics at the ETC, guided students through the basics of collaborative robots, while YSU used the event as a recruitment tool, exposing students to potential career paths in manufacturing.
The Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition was a key participant, with its executive director, Alex Hertzer, emphasizing the importance of connecting students directly with local employers. Activities included virtual welding and learning about programmable logic controllers (PLCs), machining, design, and additive manufacturing. Emily Granger, HR manager at Wheatland Tube, demonstrated quality control processes, while Josh Smith from Jaxon USA showcased 3D scanning technology for quality assurance.
What This Means for Your Business
For businesses in the manufacturing sector, such initiatives are crucial in addressing the skills gap and ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers. By engaging with educational institutions and participating in events like Manufacturing Day, companies can position themselves as desirable employers for the next generation. This proactive approach can enhance recruitment efforts, improve workforce quality, and ultimately lead to better operational efficiencies.
Furthermore, the exposure of students to advanced manufacturing technologies, such as collaborative robots and 3D scanning, aligns with the industry's shift towards automation and precision manufacturing. Companies leveraging these technologies can expect to see improvements in product quality and production speed, offering a competitive edge in the market.
What US Operators Should Watch
US operators should monitor similar educational outreach programs and consider partnerships with local educational institutions to foster talent development. Engaging in Manufacturing Day and similar events can help companies stay abreast of technological advancements and workforce trends. Additionally, operators should track advancements in collaborative robotics and 3D scanning technologies, as these are becoming increasingly integral to modern manufacturing processes.
Source: https://businessjournaldaily.com/students-get-hands-on-look-at-manufacturing/. Read the original story ->
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