Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1510765
NOVEMBER 2023 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 17 customers, learning what they need, and how you can support what they're already doing. at builds a relationship. Once you learn what they need, you can support them in the most efficient and impactful way possible. I also recommend working with local busi- ness chambers of commerce, other regional groups, and even the state superintendent's office to see what initiatives are underway. Maybe they have a science initiative that allows manufacturers to provide expert advice. CTE classes and programs are required to have technical advisory committees, so they need experts, and schools oen don't have those contacts in the industry or know who to reach out to. I hear it's a con- stant problem: Schools say the industry doesn't respond to reach-outs, and the industry says schools don't reach out. To bridge that gap, find out what problems the schools are trying to solve and then marshal your resources to sup- port them. You want to be the one that teachers and students get to know. It's exciting because there are so many differ- ent levels of involvement. We're very involved, but it doesn't take a lot to get started. Maybe begin by asking whether your employees could speak in classrooms or with career counselors. Matties: You mentioned this program is driven by a core value of benefiting the community, but it's also an investment for the future: While there's not an immediate new hire payback, it is rewarding to individuals who take part. Yes, 100%. As manufacturers, we are part of our communities; the employees have chil- dren going to school in those communities. We are neighbors, so you're absolutely right, it will help the community at large. Maybe it's especially hard for us as manufacturers and engineering companies to see this. We depend on data; we rely on short feedback loops, and this is a thing where there's not a short feedback loop. Matties: Do you have any final thoughts you want to share with industry? I think that as adults and businesses, we oen underestimate students. ey can do difficult things, provided they're given the support and the expectation. at's a big reason why our internship program has been so successful. We oen hear that if you have a difficult prob- lem, give it to an intern, because they will come at it in a unique, fresh way; they'll see things we don't. ey can be very creative problem solvers. So, don't shy away from giving them hard problems, whether it's part of an intern- ship or a robotics proj- ect. I was blown away, for example, with the students working on the automation project. ey made a phenomenal, automated barrel feeder. ey were incredible, but they needed the support. Students are hun- gry for authentic learning experiences, meet- ing real people, learning about real careers that are out there in their communities. Matties: John, your passion certainly comes through, and we appreciate your time today. ank you so much for the opportunity. SMT007 We often hear that if you have a difficult problem, give it to an intern, because they will come at it in a unique, fresh way; they'll see things we don't.