Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1510765
NOVEMBER 2023 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 13 Matties: What is the benefit for SEL of this K-12 outreach program? It's about honoring our values. We don't just talk about values, we act on them, and we sup- port our communities. We want young people to see this as a place where they want to work, whether that's assemblers, technicians, the CEO, whatever it may be. Matties: Have you seen that happen, where those who participate in the tracks then become employee-owners here? Yes, however, we're still gathering data on that. Occasionally, we'll hear that folks who partici- pated in the past are now working here, but it can be such a long lead time from one of our events or programs to them coming to work for us. Nolan Johnson: How long has SEL been doing educational outreach programs? It started with SEL founder and president Dr. Schweitzer. He began welcoming visiting stu- dent groups for tours in the early days of the company. He has encouraged and supported learning and education in a wide variety of ways through the years, including donating equipment to colleges and universities, offer- ing paid internships, supporting senior design projects, serving on advisory boards, and providing scholarship and mentorship oppor- tunities. Matties: We often hear that it's not just negative stereotypes about manufacturing careers, but there's a lack of awareness. People don't know that manufacturing offers solid, viable careers. How receptive are schools when you take that message to them? Schools are quick to say yes to engineering activities and presentations, but it's taken more