“People with technical skills ar
e
extremely valuable and can earn
high
wages and move up quickly.”
“I wanted to be a graphic designer,” Robinson says. “After I
started college, I realized that wasn’t for me.” Robinson earned a
degree in career and technical education and worked with high
school and technical school students to help them learn about
skilled careers at Pace Industries. He was recently promoted to HR
project manager.
“I learned a lot of things on the robotics team that helped with
projects I work on at Pace Industries. For instance, I learned how
to use a mill and lathe, computer aided drafting, or CAD, and also
programming and electrical work,” Wehn says. He’s been part of
several important projects since joining Pace Industries.
“First, I designed and built a training cell for a robot,” he says.
“We designed everything needed to implement it in our plant
in Harrison. The second project I worked on was automating a
robot with a CNC machine, which stands for computer numerical
control.”
His biggest project may be developing the company’s virtual
reality training. “Instead of traditional training where you’re
learning on-site, you can do it all wearing a VR headset,” Wehn
explains.
He encourages more students to get involved with robotics teams
and not be afraid to try new things. “Get out of your comfort
zone,” he says. “Just ask questions, learn a lot and have fun.”
Ethan Robinson also created a career at Pace Industries. The
Prairie Grove graduate says he didn’t originally plan on working
for a manufacturer.
“If you’re on your school’s robotics team, or are interested in
designing video games, those skills apply to automation, and you
can get paid very well,” he explains. Robinson says 3D drafting,
pre-engineering classes, or project-based programs like EAST can
help kick start your career.
“You also need good math skills, but desire and drive are most
important. You have to tell me what you like about this type of
career and why you want to do it.” Robinson says team members
need to share the company’s core values of accountability,
compassion, excellence, fairness and integrity.
Earning certifications can also give you an edge. Being a certified
production technician, certified logistics technician or certified
forklift operator shows you have the training needed for the job.
Pace Industries helps associates grow their skills and continue their
education with in-house training and a reimbursement program
that can help you pay for technical school or college.
Pace Industries has 21 locations in the U.S. and Mexico, including
a plant in Harrison that produces components for companies in the
automotive, lawn and garden and small engine industries. To get
an inside look at Pace Industries and learn more about available
careers, scan the code or visit http://paceind.com.
CAREERS
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CHECK US OUT
MACHINE OPERATORS
PROGRAMMERS
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TOOL/DIE MAKERS
ENGINEERS
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HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS
FAYETTEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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