Connecting with Our Future Workforce

The purpose of the TSMA Manufacturing Career Dream Team is to change the public image of manufacturing in the West Central region of Minnesota and attract the next generation of manufacturing talent. With this is also our new initiative to get the Dream Team into the middle school grades in our area. 
 
Dream Team members have been able to participate in career exploration in the middle schools. Career exploration plays an important role by allowing students to gain knowledge about their interests and skills as well as the career pathways available. Research finds that middle school is the most effective time for career guidance programs because they are already thinking about their futures and are open to career exploration. Middle school students want information that can help them match their specific skills and interests with potential careers. So far this spring, Dream Team members, Jason Crannell, John Zipoy, Derek  Klimek and Sam Ewald, have presented to four sixth-grade career exploration classes with four more presentations scheduled for April and May.
 
In addition to career exploration classes, Melany Wolf, Massman Automation, and Jason Crannell, ITW Heartland, both engineers, presented to a Girls in Engineering class. Being an engineer herself, she went over the many different types of engineering in the manufacturing industry. She also went over the different types of schooling for these jobs. The girls in this class asked a lot of great questions and had a great discussion of engineering. Jason also spoke to these students on the types of 3-D printers that are used in the manufacturing industry. He also went over how parts are made using a 3D printer and the pros/cons. He also brought a 3D printer so they could see it in action.
 
Robotics is also an important component of manufacturing. Sam Ewald, Massman Automation, spoke to a robotics class at Discovery Middle School. He presented on all the opportunities that are available in manufacturing for those who are interested in robotics. He gauged the students’ knowledge of robotics and then answered any questions that they had after his presentation.
 
Even though getting into middle schools was our initiative, we are still getting into the high schools, too. Dream Team member John Zipoy, Brenton Engineering, represented the Dream Team and TSMA at the Alexandria Area High School’s first annual Career Fair for juniors and seniors on March 2^nd. The focus of the career fair was geared toward different types of employment opportunities including summer, career employment, scholarships, internships, and more. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to be part of the Alexandria Area High School’s 10^th Grade Field Experience Day on April 18^th. Dream Team members, Melany Wolf, Derek Klimek and Sam Ewald, and Massman Automation will be creating a field experience tour for 42 or more tenth graders in several rotations. Each rotation includes a tour of Massman Automation and a presentation on careers in the manufacturing industry. We are excited to get the students into the manufacturing businesses!

If you know of any other TSMA business that may be interested in having their company represented on the Dream Team, please call Shari Petersen at 320-766-0081 or email her at DreamTeam@midwestmanufacturers.com.