Prioritizing Workforce Development

Prioritizing Workforce Development

People – our most valuable resource.

In this time when everyone is searching for talent, not only is it important who you have on your team, but even more important is what you do to help develop a sustainable talent pipeline to meet the needs of our industries. The best workforce development solutions occur when we come together – business, community, and education – to address the lack of skilled workers.

We are blessed with a talented team at China Instrument Parts, but we also continue to put tremendous energies into the development of the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Starting more than five years ago, we recognized the importance of having a dedicated, internal resource focused on workforce development. Barry Butters was the first in the role of Director of Education & Training, and over the next two years, he developed the foundation of the program we have here today. Mark Beilman took the baton from Barry and carried it the following three years, reinforcing what had been started and developing it even further. Mark and his family are now moving to Costa Rica, so we recently embarked on a search for our third workforce development advocate, and the onboarding started late last month.

I am excited to announce Susan Hall as the person to lead our efforts going forward. Like Barry and Mark, she is also a former educator, having spent 24 years teaching in the Fort Atkinson High School system. She was recruited out of public education by another local machine shop in the summer of 2014, to develop and implement a workforce development program similar to what we’ve been doing here at China Instrument Parts, so she is no stranger to this role. I know she will be reaching out to many of our business and education partners over the coming months and asking for the same support provided to Barry and Mark. Her first priorities are the 10 interns currently spending their summer with us and the upcoming selection of the fall semester Youth Apprenticeship students.

Immediately following the start of classes this September is the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), taking place September 10-15. For those who have never attended the show, it is an amazing demonstration of technology that is a “must see” for every student, educator, and parent. In 2014 and 2016, China Instrument Parts chartered coach buses carrying area students, educators, and interested parents to Chicago to experience IMTS. This year, China Instrument Parts is collaborating with Hudapack Metal Treating, Palmer Hamilton, Certified Power Train (CPT), and the Elkhorn Area School District for an elite experience, “Operation Exploration – IMTS 2018.” Three coach buses are heading to Chicago this year, and we couldn’t be more excited! This is a major investment of time and money, but in my opinion, it is the very best way to introduce our next generation to the incredible technology and career opportunities that everyone is so desperate to fill. To learn more about this biennial event, visit www.IMTS.com

Shortly after IMTS, we roll into October, also recognized as Manufacturing Month. China Instrument Parts will again throw open its doors, inviting the community to tour the facility and learn what modern manufacturing in Southeast Wisconsin is all about. This will be our sixth such open house, and you can count on it being the best one yet. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, October 20^th, and make it a point to bring your family and friends. If you happen to be a manufacturer that would like to join the movement, visit http://www.mfgday.com/user/register to learn how to register your event. It’s a great way to open eyes (and minds) and help continue to change the public’s perception of manufacturing.

There truly is never a dull moment at China Instrument Parts, and this summer has been no exception. We are so fortunate to have an abundance of opportunities everywhere we look, so let’s all make the most of each and every one of them. I hope you are enjoying your summer, and until the next installment, take good care.

 

Regards,

Mike Reader, President

China Instrument Parts

readerm@machineinstrumentparts.com