Efficient Plant December 2017 - 16

feature | industry views

Collaborative Career-Based Approach
Bob Graff, senior manager for education, Yaskawa America Inc., Motoman Robotics Div., Miamisburg, OH, motorman.com
Every day, I talk to educational leaders,
policy makers, and industrial managers
who want to partner with Yaskawa Motoman because manufacturing cannot realize
change and embrace advanced technologies
without a supportive, collaborative education system. Education is
the key that defines our success as a nation, and America's economic
growth and workforce development depend on aligning STEM curricula with industry standards, providing a career-based approach
that prepares students to be job-ready on the day they enter the
workforce.
Many students exit high school or college unprepared, leaving
educators and manufacturers with the daunting task of creating

Using Millennial Technology Affinity
Toffee Coleman, education marketing manager, Fluke Corp., Everett, WA, fluke.com
Most millennials have a great affinity for technology. They grew
up or were teenagers with a smartphone or tablet in their hands.
New technology from Fluke gives them the same flexibility and
allows them to conduct their work with the same technology,
including cloud-based apps, data analysis, and computerized
maintenance management software (CMMS). The system connects
handheld tools, semi-fixed wireless sensors, SCADA data, and any
other third-party data in one system, accessible from any connected
device.
Industry and the maintenance tool market is shifting away from the
solo-fixer mentality to a more team-oriented, condition-based maintenance approach. That includes inspection routes for determining
equipment health and more screening checks, as well as monitoring of
key-indicator data. This shift provides green entrants with assistance
and knowledge as the older generation exits but does not eliminate
the need for the experienced technicians and managers to train and
mentor this younger group. The technology helps make that process
smoother.
Fluke is addressing these industry trends by providing all workers
with tools and services that simplify complex workflows across the
plant floor. We run a student contest around our Accelix platform
of connected tools, sensors, and CMMS software. We also support
the World Skills International program, which helps STEM students
around the globe build practical vocational skills and experience.

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effective STEM education, career pathways, and training programs.
Solving the skills gap for robotic automation and advanced manufacturing will require companies to create workforce-driven partnerships and find unique methods for developing the talent needed to
meet customer demand.
Yaskawa Motoman is committed to addressing critical workforce
needs with innovative hardware, software tools, dedicated curricula,
industry-recognized certification, and applicable services to deliver
real-world automation experiences in a classroom environment.
With the help of educational organizations and collaborative partnerships, Yaskawa Motoman creates dynamic workforce models and
STEM education opportunities to support job creation and enhance
manufacturing capabilities that propel economic growth.

Three-Pronged Approach
Kara Hayft, vice president, Human Resources,
Uponor North America, Apple Valley, MN,
uponor-usa.com

At Uponor, we are tackling the skilledlabor shortage issue head on, recruiting
women, training apprentices, and building
a talent pipeline with students. Women
account for half of the U.S. labor force, but a
significantly lower number work in manufacturing. In 2015, we formed an internal task force to improve recruiting,
reduce physical barriers that precluded women from safely working
in our plant, and enhance our referral package. This resulted in more
employees recommending females for these head-of-household jobs.
In 2014, two females worked in manufacturing position. Today, 30
women (of 340 jobs) work in our plant.
Also, Uponor was recently accepted into the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's registered apprenticeship program.
Our 3-yr., 6,000-hr. program includes job-related technical instruction and hands-on learning. Participants will earn PMMI Level 2
certification, Journeyman status, or a Maintenance Electrical license.
We also are one of six Minnesota businesses that participate in a
federally funded STEM mentoring and internship program for local
high schools. In addition, each year, we invite local students to attend
our Uponor Training Academy to possibly earn an internship or
summer job.

DECEMBER 2017

http://www.motorman.com http://www.uke.com http://www.uponor-usa.com http://www.EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Efficient Plant December 2017