In truth , we can have a balance between degreed and trade / tech careers in our schools . Foundational skills in manufacturing provide an incredible way to make STEM education relevant , and hands-on learning is the optimum way for many people to learn versus a classroom environment .
So — what can we do as industry ?
1 . We can work through non-profit industry groups to get into elementary , junior high and high schools .
2 . We can find those teachers in our local schools who have a passion for manufacturing and will be our champions , and we can support the heck out of them .
3 . We can show up at school boards and talk to academic leadership about providing alternative career training .
4 . We can offer to talk to student classes and give tours of our factories , so that students can truly see and appreciate the sophistication and interesting challenges that they will face within manufacturing .
5 . And as industry leaders , we can — and should — be forceful about having a voice for a better balance between academic and working trade career training .
If we do not speak out and invest our time in this effort , we have no right to complain about a lack of talent . It ’ s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work .
46 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS