Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1510765
NOVEMBER 2023 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 9 robots, including the disciplines of mechani- cal design and fabrication (traditional metal work as well as CNC machining and 3D print- ing). ey learn teamwork and skill building, all with the purpose of entering and winning a robotics competition. In and of itself, this is not a bad thing. Today's STEM jobs are highly concentrated in pro- gramming, and we've steered many students in the right direction. But as we all know in this industry, you can't just leave it at that. Pro- gramming leads to manufacturing and students must be made aware of the promising and ful- filling careers in this field. Yet, there are some high hurdles to overcome. According to a report from Deloitte 1 , surveys of Gen Z reveal that many still believe manufac- turing to be dirty, dangerous, and monotonous work. ey believe their career options are lim- ited, and that flexibility in the work environ- ment is not attainable. Now, in contract manu- facturing, we know that's not the case, yet the misperception remains of steel smelters or auto assembly plants with fast-moving robot arms slinging welding equipment. Gen Z-ers are strongly influenced by social media reports. If we want the new workforce to know that we're a clean and safe industry, we must tell those stories ourselves. Rather than wait for someone else to change public opin- ion, we must do the outreach. We also learned from the Deloitte report that today's youth seek a greater purpose for them- selves in the work they choose to do. ey want to know that their effort makes a difference. If it doesn't, they won't stick around long enough to find out. You'll find that very sentiment in this issue's interviews with some Gen Zers working in manufacturing. So, what are colleges and universities doing to address this mindset shi? We spoke with a professor from Minnesota State University about a unique program that takes "engineer- ing students" and turns them into "student engi- neers." ey're part of a novel program called Twin Cities Engineering, where students take Nolan Johnson is managing editor of SMT007 Magazine. Nolan brings 30 years of career experience focused almost entirely on electronics design and manufacturing. To contact Johnson, click here. on capstone projects that mirror real-world engineering work. It seems that FIRST Robot- ics has followed Gen Z right into the university. Finally, we get the perspective of employ- ers. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is tackling the issue from two angles: a K-12 pro- gram that provides exposure to young stu- dents through efforts inside and outside the classroom, and an internship program with a high success rate of moving interns into full- time employees. We also visited IPS in Cedar City, Utah, where young engineers and student interns are getting practical, hands-on experi- ence—a benefit to both the company and the young talent. To attract new talent, we need to stop think- ing like 20th century industrialists; kids born in this millennium are smart and determined to make their own difference. ose who take the manufacturing jobs seem to truly embrace what they're doing. ey see the world through their own lens and will make modern manufacturing fit their world view. It's up to us to learn, under- stand, and encourage them on their journey. Tara Dunn, director of educational programs at SMTA, said, "It's the EMS companies who need to step it up; the academic world is moti- vated to meet this need." To me, this is a message of encouragement and hope. We have oppor- tunities to get involved with FIRST Robotics, build relationships with local school districts, participate in career-day activities, encour- age school tours, connect with post-secondary institutions, and build our own pipeline for tal- ent. Gen Z is waiting, and they're ready. SMT007 References 1. "Competing for talent: Recasting perceptions of manufacturing," Deloitte Insights, March 2022.