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Changing Times:Changing Workforce (December, 2006)

Educators, students and industry professionals recently learned about global competition and how manufacturers are retooling their business as a result and what skills employers are looking for at a conference sponsored by CBIA (December, 2006). A nationally known expert from the Ford Motor Co. and local CEOs discussed the need for manufacturers to be innovative and how they can make changes to remain competitive and excel under increasing competition. A panel of human resources professionals talked about skills needs and how educators can best prepare students to meet those needs.

Keynote speaker, Susan Leone, Americas director of supplier technical assistance, Ford Motor Co.,addressed the challenges facing the U.S. auto industry today and Ford's aggressive plan to compete and succeed in an evolving marketplace. Leone outlined Ford's comprehensive global strategy and how it will expand the company's work on hybrids and alternative fuels, vehicle safety, fulfilling customer needs, and the role that labor and the workforce will play in that plan.

A panel of local CEOs, whose companies have recently faced some challenges in the manufacturing world or are leaders in international business, discussed how their companies moved forward to stay competitive in the global economy. Human resource experts from top companies around the state explained how their firms are meeting the challenge of keeping a skilled workforce in the new competitive environment.

Speakers included:

  • Kathy Saint, president, Schwerdtle Stamp Co. Inc.
  • Douglas Rose, president, Aero Gear Inc.
  • Michael Foley, Ph.D., president and CEO, Reflexite Corp.
  • Lois Krause, human resources manager, Capewell Components Co. LLC
  • Sharon Woodrow, manager of human resources, Trump Inc.
  • Karin Kulha, manager of human resources, United States Surgical

Manufacture Your Future: Careers Expo - May, 2006

More than 3,500 students from Connecticut's middle schools, technical high schools and comprehensive high schools, including over 200 of their teachers, converged upon the Connecticut Convention Center to explore the world of manufacturing. A factory floor consisting of pods demonstrating the main processes of manufacturing highlighted the event, which also included CT manufacturers demonstrating their products. (Click here for more information.)

At workshops held in conjunction with the Manufacture Your Future Career Expo (May, 2006), educators learned about how green technologies are creating environmentally friendly workplaces and how companies are becoming more efficient through lean manufacturing practices. The Manufacture Your Future Careers Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center, May 17-18, 2006 exposed over 3,500 students and 150 teachers to manufacturing practices and products. (view photos).

The Green Technologies panel was moderated by Adam Ney of CBIA, who gave an overview of how companies are benefitting from incorporating green technologies. Presenters included: Kevin Wyman, UTC Power, who talked about the advances being made in fuel cell technology and the company's fuel cell car; Greg Van Deusen, BVH Integrated Services, discussing the integration of "green" energy in buildings that are economically and environmentally friendly, and Art Caisse of Naugatuck Valley Community College, who talked about what he is doing to incorporate green technology learning in his curriculum.

The Lean Manufacturing panel was moderated by Bob Toranni of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Tehcnology. He introduced Tommy Davis of Davis Learning Resources who gave an overview of the concepts behind lean manufacturing. He was followed by Tony Laraia of Wiremold, Inc., who has written a book on the successful implementation of lean manufacturing processes at his company. Dave Stec, a technology professor at Central Connecticut State University, rounded up the panel with his discussion of how he is implementing Lean Manufacturing in his academic programs.

Following the workshops, an overview of the Center's programs to date was given by the executive director, Karen Wosczyna-Birch. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association(CBIA), the Center's primary business partner, shared information on the manufacturing careers campaign and showed segments of a brand new dvd on manufacturing careers (watch for upcoming information on this dvd).

"The Outlook for New England Manufacturers" - December, 2005

As a Center for the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program of the National Science Foundation, the RCNGM presented at the ACTE conference in Kansas City (December 10, 2005) on "The Outlook for New England Manufacturers". To find out more about ATE programs and to download this presentation, go to www.ATECenters.org and go to the download section.

Connecticut Manufacturing Day - May, 2005

State companies hold 'Manufacturing & Technology Day' showcase at Capitol - Connecticut manufacturers show their products. (See photos from the event.)

Next Generation Manufacturing Conference - May, 2005

Next Generation Manufacturing Economic Conference - industry leaders address manufacturers outlook for the future. (See photos from the event.)

Women in Technology Workshop - April, 2005

Women in Technology - Teachers received curriculum on how to attract and retain young women in technology.

Manufacturer's Career Day - February, 2005

The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, in collaboration with CBIA's ATE project, was a major sponsor of a manufacturers career day for high school students on March 8, 2005. Nearly 2,000 students from throughout the state attended the day-long event which included hands-on demonstrations on manufacturing processes. Industry representatives from local manufacturers were present to provide information on career opportunities. The event was put on by the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce.


 


The Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education program. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.