By Tyler Lamb
Editor
For decades the country’s vibrant manufacturing sector provided poorly educated workers a bridge to the middle class. Yet, since the end of the Great Recession manufacturers now require highly skilled workers who know their way around hi-tech machinery. Despite the fact that this machinery is predominantly used within manufacturing, there is still some equipment and its counterparts being held onto to make certain manufacturing products, e.g. a stainless steel cable to help with creating wire rope for industries from medical devices to defense systems.
Locally, a manufacturing initiative between area educators and business representatives from across the county began late last year to address the skills gap and growing demand for a new generation of proficient manufacturing professionals.
Under the direction of JoAnne Pella, Elkhorn Area High School’s career and technical education coordinator and former Principal Tina Bosworth groundwork for collaboration between businesses, the academic world, and elected officials were set into place.
A manufacturing career panel was assembled in February. The goal – dispel the residual negative stigma surrounding the pursuit of a career path in manufacturing by fostering the next generation of manufacturers via hands-on education.
The event was comprised of several notable manufacturing professionals, including Mike Reader owner and president of Elkhorn-based Precision Plus, Inc.
For more than an hour, the panelists and students engaged in a dialogue regarding the state of the industry and the possibilities manufacturing have available for young people finishing their high school education.
“It was a very powerful panel,” Pella said “We had more than 120 students from our school attend. The invitation also was extended to all of the schools in our conference.
“The experts on the panel did a tremendous job of explaining what they did and the dire need to fill the skills gap,” she added.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, Reader, whose company is a manufacturer of Swiss turned components, scheduled for students to visit his facility.
“When the panel concluded several student spoke with Mike, and from that conversation those students were invited to go over to Precision Plus for a tour,” Pella said.
The exchange ultimately resulted in the implementation of a Youth Apprenticeship Program this past summer through Precision Plus. According to Barry Butters, director of education and outreach at Precision Plus, Inc., the program served to educate students about the reality of a future in manufacturing via hands-on learning.
Several Elkhorn students, including the Class of 2013’s valedictorian, worked as part of the apprenticeship program.
“We put them to work everywhere, and they experienced every portion of the business,” Butters said. “We wanted to give them an opportunity to see how their education ties into what they were doing on the floor.”
Why? For Reader, it’s about recruiting the best and brightest, as well as making students aware they can earn while they learn.
“We want the best and the brightest. We are competing on a global basis,” he said. “If we don’t have the academic all-stars, the people who are properly motivated, we will not be successful long-term.
“We try and employ the best and the brightest,” Reader continued. “I’m not advocating not going to school, but if you’re going to go to school go with a purpose.”
As part of National Manufacturing Day, Precision Plus, Inc. will host an open house Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
“We hope to entertain people with the wonders of manufacturing, and the opportunities it presents to young people as a career path,” Butters said.
For more information, contact Butters at (262) 743-1700, or ButtersB@preplus.com.
Precision Plus, Inc. is located at 840 Koopman Lane, Elkhorn.
