My Take: So Close to My Heart — Workforce Development

By Jane Alexander, Deputy Editor

Like other writers in Maintenance Technology, I frequently use my space to discuss an issue close to my heart: capturing the minds and passions of tomorrow’s workforce sooner than later. To that end, I typically invite readers to send in good-news stories about innovative educational models they know of (from a personal and/or work-related standpoint or from other news sources). This month, I share two of these stories.

STEM-based children’s initiative 

The first account concerns power and automation leader ABB’s partnership with Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, NC, on a new Kid Grid exhibit aimed at young children. It’s a great example of a corporation putting its money where its mouth (and heart) is, and that is working to generate and nurture interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) among America’s future engineers.

As mentioned in this month’s News section, Kid Grid was funded by a $1 million grant from ABB. The exhibit introduces children to electricity and power-grid technology through hands-on/minds-on play. Most parents know this type of learning experience is key when it comes to little ones. (And what a joy it is to watch them learn this way!)

ABB’s support of the Kid Grid exhibit appears to be a no-brainer for this company. Like other engineering-based companies, it has a vested interest in maintaining an educated workforce and breaking through traditional gender stereotypes that may have contributed to the growing shortage of American engineering graduates. Too many hi-tech companies are struggling to fill jobs—a situation that may become worse before it gets better.

“Although Kid Grid is unique to North Carolina,” says Greg Scheu, CEO of ABB North America, “the concept shouldn’t be. STEM-focused industries are growing both nationally and internationally. We need to stay competitive as a nation and encourage kids to explore these areas in new and creative ways.”

A public-school initiative 

My second good-news story comes from a May 26 article by Dan Santella, published in The Monitor, of McAllen, TX (themonitor.com). It’s about an innovative approach set to launch in Mission, TX, another town in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. While it’s not the first such initiative in Texas, I consider it remarkable given the harsh economic realities and deadly gang violence to which many families in that area are exposed.

Sanctioned by the Texas Education Agency and supported by a modest $305,000 grant, Mission Early College Career Tech opens this August at Mission High School (part of the Mission Consolidated Independent School District). In partnership with South Texas College (STC), this “school within a school” will offer three tracks—diesel, welding and manufacturing—with an emphasis on hands-on instruction and high expectations for student performance.

Graduates will have three ways to start their careers early. According to Mission Superintendent Ricardo Lopez, by the time they’re 18, students could be holding three documents: a certificate and an associate’s degree from STC, as well as a diploma from either Mission High or Veterans Memorial High (another Mission CISD school). What a great way to jump-start success in life for the students.  What great news for industry.

Asked why the new school will focus only on diesel, welding and manufacturing, Lopez was clear:  “Those are going to be three of the hottest jobs now available, not only in the state of Texas, but in the nation.” Makes you wonder why other public schools haven’t figured that out. MT

jalexander@atpnetwork.com